In Memory Of ...
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Claude F. MelitoAugust 12, 1921 - January 09, 2012 Service:Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, beginning with a time of sharing and prayers at 11:00 a.m. from the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 2224 45th Street, with full military honors following. Inurnment will be held privately in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Visitation:A gathering of relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home, 3720 39th Avenue on Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial:At the family's request, please omit flowers. Obituary:Claude F. Melito, age 90, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, January 9, 2012. Born on August 12, 1921 in Cosenza, Italy, he was the son of the late Egidio and Grace (Migliano) Melito. Claude's mother passed away at an early age and when his father remarried, he was raised by his step-mother, Antionetta. Claude was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Air Force during WWII. He entered the service on September 11, 1940 and as 1st Lieutenant, he went to officer training on April 16, 1943. He was honorably discharged from active duty on February 1, 1946 and remained in the Air Force reserves until his retirement on August 12, 1981. On February 23, 1946, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Delores Puntillo. Claude was a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council #973 and the Italian-American Society and was also a current member of the American Legion Paul Herrick Post #21 and AARP. A self-employed businessman by trade, he enjoyed spending his time with family and never missed a family event. In his free time, Claude raised canaries, enjoyed bird and rabbit hunting, reading, playing pinochle and gardening. He loved geography and was also known as a history buff and loved to share his stories from the past. Claude literally wore many hats, those of the Green Bay Packers, Notre Dame and the Milwaukee Brewers. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Delores Melito; his four children, Grace (Allan) Key, Claude Melito, Jr., Carol (Michael) Davidovic and Paul (Kim) Melito; two brothers, Jerry (Jane) and Robert (Carol) Melito; seven grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends near and far. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Hospice Alliance, Inc. for the excellent care given to Claude. |
Condolences
Posted on: January 17, 2012 | By: jim Marescalco
Hi Grace, I heard about your dad's passing and want to extend my sympathies to you and the family. It looks like your dad had a long and wonderful life which should help to comfort you in this sad time. God bless, Jim
Posted on: January 17, 2012 | By: Tony Kathrens
To the Melito Family: I can't tell you how ironic it feels to read about the passing of Colonel Melito on January 17 the day in which my dad would have turned 91 years old. For me, your dad represents some of my happiest childhood memories. Our first color TV was made possible courtesy of your father. Colonel Melito was a great guy who I looked up to in my childhood. My father considered him a good friend and my father didn't let many people get close to him. I am so glad you all got to enjoy his many years on this earth - 65 years of marriage - wow how wonderful. My mother Mary sends her best and God Bless all of you.
Posted on: January 17, 2012 | By: Linda Angel
Carol,Katie and Melito family, My condolences to you all. He sounds like such a special man. May your memories help you through this very sad time. The family members I know are strong and good people. Godspeed. Linda Angel
Posted on: January 17, 2012 | By: Marybeth Zuhlke
Dearest Grace and Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will light incense in memory of your dad. I am so sorry I can not be there in person but I am on a peace pilgrimage in India until Feb. 1. I will call and see you upon my return. With sympathy, prayers, and everlasting friendship, Marybeth Zuhlke
Posted on: January 16, 2012 | By: Richard Mich
Paul & Kim Sorry for the loss of your Father.May the Spirit of the Newborn Christ bring you and yours Peace and the Love knowing that Dad is having Lunch with God
Posted on: January 14, 2012 | By: Connie and Carl Lynch
Dear Melito Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all; we are never ready to lose our loved ones, but many times it is a blessing that God has called them home and they are finally at rest. May God grant you all Comfort and Peace. Connie & Carl Lynch
Posted on: January 13, 2012 | By: Scenic Traveler RV Centers
Dear Claude, May you find comfort in memories and strength in each others love throughout this difficult time. We all wish to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family. All of us at Scenic RV
Posted on: January 11, 2012 | By: Jerry and Jane Melito
Dear Delores, Grace, Claude Jr., Carol and Paul, We extend our deepest sympathy at Claude's passing. He was a "survivor," and stayed with you as long as the Good Lord would allow him. The Melito family will never be the same without Claude. He was such a great story-teller, and we will miss hearing him reminiscence about the "old days." We send our love to you all, and look forward to "celebrating Claude's life" with you and the family next week. Jerry and Jane+
