Richard White Mello

Richard White Mello crossed over into eternal life on December 6, 2018 surrounded by his family. Richard was born on January 12, 1948 to Edwin and Margaret Mello in San Jose, CA. He enjoyed a country lifestyle, growing up in Newark, CA along with his brothers Ed and Jerry. He graduated from Newark High in 1966 where he excelled in track and soccer. He attended Chabot College while becoming a draftsman for Kraft Tile, in Niles, CA. He then married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Hill, and joined the Navy where he served as an aircraft Mechanic on the USS Kittyhawk in Vietnam. Rich then returned to the Bay Area to complete 10 years of service at Moffett Field. In 1973 he acquired his favorite job, that of fatherhood, as they welcomed son, Gregory Mello. It was in that same year that he was introduced to a body shop owner who began teaching him those skills. He acquired that business and sold it a few years later to a man who would later introduce him to a relative named Kathy, who became his wife of 35 years. Rich embraced her two children, Kelly and Jason Cocco, with the same fun loving enthusiasm that he had for his own son. The family was completed with the blessing of the birth of Gina Mello in 1984. In 1980 he founded TGIF Body Shop in Fremont, CA where each of his children and beloved employees learned the values of caring customer service, honesty and integrity. 38 years later it includes second and third generation participation. In 1990 Rich reentered the military as a reservist where he served in the California Air National Guard (129th Air Search and Rescue Unit) for 10 years. He enjoyed traveling as they performed humanitarian duties, and enjoyed the camaraderie of many fine members of that unit, retiring as a Master Sargent. He had the gift of gab, the love of people and travel, and riding ATV’s in the dessert. He is most known for his willingness to help others at a moments notice. He is greeted in heaven by his parents, brother Ed Mello, and many other family and friends. Besides his wife and children, he is survived by his brother Jerry Mello and wife Patty, Sister in law, Patricia Mello, Mother in law Trinie O’Ran, Brother in law Sterling O”Ran and his six grandchildren: Anthony Watkins, Marcus Watkins, Ryan Mello, Lauren Mello, Kai Nahale-Cocco and Valentina Fernandez, and many nieces and nephews. He is also mourned by so many whose lives he touched through his generosity and fun loving spirit. Rich will be forever remembered kindly by all who knew him. Celebration of Life to be held on Friday December, 14, 2:00 PM at Crossroads Church 41386 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA. We greatly appreciate the help of family, friends and hospice during our hour of grief. Donations requested to Wounded Warriors or the donation of your choice.

Richard White Mello

January 12, 1948 - December 6, 2018