'True patriot' from Swisshelm Park had soft spot for children
Anthony Mele, a respected businessman and entrepreneur, found that his first job was his toughest.
"When Dad was in high school, he helped my grandfather (with) his part-time concrete jobs," said his son, Joseph Mele of Jefferson Hills. "Dad would often tell us that he hand-mixed enough concrete in those days to be able to build a highway stretching from Swissvale to Rome."
Anthony August Mele, 77, of Swisshelm Park, died in his home Monday, Feb. 22, 2010.
Born and raised in Rankin, Anthony Mele was one of five children of steelworker Joseph Mele and Theresa Caputo Mele. He was the stepson of Rose Bonacci Mele.
In order to help his family, he dropped out of school in eighth grade and worked numerous jobs. But one of the defining events in his life came in 1953, said his daughter, Theresa Mele-Madigan of Swisshelm Park.
"Dad enlisted in the Army and served as a combat infantryman on the battlefields of Korea," said Mele-Madigan. "He saw then what America meant to those who cherished freedom. My father was a true patriot who loved this country and what it meant to the world. We always had an American flag flying in front of our house. All of Dad's company vehicles carried an American flag in their windows."
After his discharge from the military in 1955, Mr. Mele opened a flower shop in Braddock. A year later, Mr. Mele married Dorothy Jean Bell, a woman he met at a dance.
"I never had any doubts that he was the man I wanted to marry," said his wife. "He was not only handsome, but the most kindest and giving man that I ever met."
Mr. Mele later went into the landscaping business with his sons, Joseph and Anthony, that through the years expanded to employ more than 100 people.
"It wasn't easy working with Dad," said his son, Tony Mele of Monroeville. "He was tough but fair. When he took on a project, he gave it 110 percent."
Mr. Mele was an active member of Madonna del Costello Church in Swissvale and supported various organizations and charities, especially those that served children. In honor of his Italian heritage, Mr. Mele established the Italian Heritage International to help those of Italian ancestry facing hard times.
In addition to his wife, daughter and son Tony, Mr. Mele is survived by a son, Joseph Mele of Jefferson Hills; siblings, Cam Mele, Bart Mele, the Rev. Joseph Mele and Mary Abel; and eight grandchildren.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Thomas L. Nied Funeral Home Inc., 7441 Washington St., Swissvale. A Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Friday in Madonna del Castello Church.
