from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Thomas “Tom” J. Mello Sr., 69, died Sept. 17, 2016.

He was the beloved husband of Judith “Judy” (Mitchell) Mello. Together they would have celebrated their 45th anniversary on Oct. 2.

A lifelong resident of Rehoboth, Mass., he was the son of the late Manuel and Georgianna (Rocha) Mello. He grew up working on his parent’s dairy farm and later served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He then attended the University of Maine Farrier School and served his apprenticeship under James Mitchell of Johnston, R.I.

Throughout his life, Mr. Mello worked at many of the New England area racetracks and most recently at Plainridge Park, where he worked as the farrier for the past several years.

His true passion in life was farming; he enjoyed raising horses, pigs, goats and poultry. Together with his wife and their sons, they owned and operated Rainbow Turkey Farm on Homestead Ave., Rehoboth.

Mr. Mello also loved spending time with his family, friends and “cronies,” attending auctions and stopping at the many area farms and diners. He had a magnetic personality and was always the life of the party; he was a free spirit who was not worried what anyone thought. He always demonstrated this at the many family reunions, weddings and get-togethers, by taking over the microphone and leading the “Marine March” for his family and friends. He will be fondly remembered for his many, many catch phrases, light hearted and easy going ways.

Besides his beloved wife, Mr. Mello is survived by his sons, Thomas “TJ” Jr. (Crystal) and Gregory (Kara); grandchildren, Mason, Gage, Reid, Carly and Mary-Kate; brothers, Dr. Richard, Manuel, James, Raymond and Peter; sister, Sr. Carole V.M. Mello, Dominican Sister of the Presentation of Fall River; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

His funeral will be held Saturday (Sept. 24) at 9 a.m. from William W. Tripp Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Coyle Dr., Seekonk. Interment will follow at Oak Knoll Cemetery, Rehoboth. Visitation will be Friday (Sept. 23) from 3-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004.