Retired North Haven Police Sergeant Thomas Mele, Jr., 85, of Pine River Road, North Haven passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 26th, 2023. Tom was born in New Haven on November 20th, 1937, and was the son of the late Thomas Mele Sr. and Florence Gaudio Mele. He served his country faithfully in the US Navy on the USS Forrestal Aircraft carrier. Tom earned an Associate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven and served on the North Haven Police Department for over 40 years until retiring as a Sergeant. Tom was a UConn Women’s basketball fan. He always enjoyed a good meal with his friends, and they would travel anywhere in the New England for breakfast or seafood. Father of Diane Shaw (William), Ronald Mele (Karin) and Stephen Mele. Grandfather of Stephanie Denyer (Mike), Erin Shaw, Christian, Stephen, Brenden and Michael Mele. Predeceased by his brother Louis G. Mele. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the nurses and staff at Hamden Health & Rehab for the excellent comfort and care they provided.
The visiting hours will be Friday, July 28th 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. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Avenue, North Haven on Saturday morning, July 29th at 12:00 PM. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Association, P.O. Box 248, Shelton, CT 06418.
With our deepest sympathies, it’s never easy to lose a parent, but all the good times you had will get you through it. God bless all.
My sincerest condolences Diane and her entire family. I worked with Tom many years prior to his retirement. He was always an easy going guy and a great person. He wouldn’t hurt a sole. After retirement, my wife Karen, Tom and Georgie Acabbo would go out for breakfast every Sunday morning for several years, we went all over the STATE and even into Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York. He never wanted to go the same way back home as we went to the breakfast spot. He just loved going out to eat whether it was for a Centurians meeting or for a night out. Tom, You will now be with your brother and your parents. Rest In Peace, Tom,
Tom was a great guy, friendly, kind, and a true gentleman. I am glad I was able to work with him for many years.
Rest in peace, brother.
My deepest and heartfelt Sympathy to All the Mele family…I had the pleasure for many years to be one of the Traveling Road Warriers in the quest for Good and Different Foods, along with the Iconic Don Olson…We had many vacations together, ALWAYS having a Great time…I will truly miss his company…May Tom rest in the Eternal Peace of Our Lord, Jesus Christ…Marty Carlo, Jr.
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. A wonderful man and an outstanding servant to our community. Rest in peace my friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tom was my first Sergeant back in ’77 after the academy and became one of my closest friends. My condolences to his wonderful family.
Sad to hear of Tom’s passing, enjoyed many good times with him over the years. May his memory bring happiness and joy.
Diane, Ron, Steve and family. My deepest condolences. I don’t remember not knowing Tom. From paper boy to dispatcher working for him. So many fond memories. He was truly a gentleman and terrific person. May he RIP.
Tom was a wonderful cousin. Later in life he faced the challenge of Parkinson’s with incredible courage and positivity. He maintained his joie-de-vivre and was always interested in people, his family, and all the goings-on around him. It was so comforting to read the comments of his colleagues of what a happy & easy going guy he was, that he was a gentleman with a great sense of humor. That is precisely how I know him. I might add both brothers, Lou & Tom had a great sense of humor, the distinctive and lovely Mele humor. Now perhaps they will all share a laugh together in heaven…. He’ll be greatly missed. RIP dear cousin.
My deepest sympathy to the Mele family. May the special memories and good times comfort you during this time. GOD BLESS. Rest in Peace, Tom.
My deepest sympathy to the Mele family. May the special memories and good times comfort you during this time. GOD BLESS. Rest in peace, Tom.
So, so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Your in my thoughts and prayers.,
Tom was an inspiration.. It’s great that his colleagues and friends have mentioned so many of his traits -they all ring so true: a gentleman with a great sense of humor, kind, invested and interested in others, caring. Tom really impressed me with his courage as he dealt with Parkinsons. He never lost his joie de vivre. Perhaps now he is having some laughs with Louis and his family in heaven. Tom, we will miss you. RIP.
We will miss you Tommy. Dear cousin. Our hearts are flooded with fond memories of being with you and all the family, at your parents home, as children, teens and young adults. Dad loved you and Louis so very much, as he loved all his nephews and nieces. Rest well now…you are with all of them now. ❤️ Love, Cindy
My deepest sympathy to all the Mele family. He will be greatly missed.
So very sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. Such a wonderful man who loved and served his community for so many years. Rest in peace my friend.
Our family’s prayers and love are with you all in this time of loss. Let your memories comfort you and bring you laughter and joy.
To the Mele family, my sincere
condolences in the passing of
Tom. He was always professional, easy going, & fun
to work along side him as his
Dispatcher. Many memories
to hold on to. R.I.P. my friend 👮🚔👮🚔🚓🙌🚔😢❤️