Janet Rose Melillo, 88, passed away at St. Raphael’s Hospital surrounded by her family.  She was the devoted wife of William Joseph Melillo, Sr for 67 years; sister of the late Yvonne Avidano Tienken; loving mother of William Melillo, Jr & David Melillo; daughters-in-law Cheryl Marks Melillo & Louise Ann Melillo; proud grandmother of Nicholas, Brianne & Kyle Melillo.  Janet was born in Hamden, CT on February 20, 1934.  Daughter of the late Julio Avidano and Rose Vacca Avidano of 158 State Street, North Haven.  Janet attended Lyman Hall High School and graduated in 1951.   Her professional career began at Ulbrich Steel where she worked as a secretary.  She continued in a variety of administrative and secretarial roles which resumed at Camco fittings, Pitney Bowes, Data Documents.  She was the Secretary to the Athletic director at North Haven High School and concluded her career at Brescome Barton where she worked with her sister Yvonne.  Janet loved her family first and foremost.  She was a thoughtful, loving caring mentor, mother & grandmother and director of family of activities and the best confidant.  She loved cooking, movies and was an avid reader.  She attended and passionately supported all of her children and grandchildren’s activities & sporting events.  She was a member of the Green Acres Elementary School PTA and of the Marian Guild.  Most importantly she was an inspiration to her family and friends and a role model in the way she loved all of us.  We are immensely grateful for all of the ways she touched our lives.  She will be missed.

The visiting hours will be Tuesday, Dec. 20th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Paul VI Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Hamden on Wednesday, Dec. 21st at 10:00.  Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.