Frank Matthew Mello Sr.

Frank Matthew Mello, Sr. of Watsonville, CA, died on December 10, 2022, of natural causes 36 days short of his 94th birthday. His wife of 72 years was present at his side.

Frank was born on January 17, 1929 to Antone and Georgiana Mello in Laton, CA., the youngest and last surviving of six siblings: Tony, Rosie, Joe, Mary, and Manuel.

In 1950, Frank married Retha Mae Roach and went on to have four children: Frank Matthew Mello, Jr. (Carrie), Pamela Georgiana Mello (deceased 2022), Diane Elaine Furtado (Joe), and Lori Ann Celeyeta; which expanded to nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Frank joined two older brothers farming the family property in Laton, CA., for about 5 years before moving his wife and two children, Frank Jr. (Butch) and Pamela, to settle in Watsonville in 1956. There he began his own family farming business, naming it Mello-dy Farms, commercially growing Raspberries, Blackberries, and various other fruits and vegetables in the Pajaro Valley for 50 years.

Frank enjoyed collecting and restoring Antique Automobiles, which he proudly displayed to a few hundred guests, friends, and employees at the annual family 4th of July celebration at his home ranch. He was an avid supporter of the Portuguese Community, and rarely missed their annual fundraising celebrations.

Services will be held on January 6, 2023 at Mehl's Chapel. Viewing will take place at 9:00am, Eulogy 10:00am; Rosary and Mass will follow at 11:30am at Valley Catholic Church.

Published in The Pajaronian · December 23, 2022