Richard White Mello Obituary in Fremont at Fremont Chapel Of The Roses

Richard White Mello

1/12/1948 - 12/6/2018

Obituary For Richard White Mello

Richard White Mello crossed over into eternal life on December 6, 2018 surrounded by his family.

Richard was born on January 12, 1948 to Edwin and Margaret Mello in San Jose, CA. He enjoyed a country lifestyle, growing up in Newark, CA along with his brothers Ed and Jerry. He graduated from Newark High in 1966 where he excelled in track and soccer. He attended Chabot College while becoming a draftsman for Kraft Tile, in Niles, CA. He then married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Hill, and joined the Navy where he served as an aircraft Mechanic on the USS Kittyhawk in Vietnam. Rich then returned to the Bay Area to complete 10 years of service at Moffett Field.

In 1973 he acquired his favorite job, that of fatherhood, as they welcomed son, Gregory Mello. It was in that same year that he was introduced to a body shop owner who began teaching him those skills. He acquired that business and sold it a few years later to a man who would later introduce him to a relative named Kathy, who became his wife of 35 years. Rich embraced her two children, Kelly and Jason Cocco, with the same fun loving enthusiasm that he had for his own son. The family was completed with the blessing of the birth of Gina Mello in 1984.

In 1980 he founded TGIF Body Shop in Fremont, CA where each of his children and beloved employees learned the values of caring customer service, honesty and integrity. 38 years later it includes second and third generation participation.

In 1990 Rich reentered the military as a reservist where he served in the California Air National Guard (129th Air Search and Rescue Unit) for 10 years. He enjoyed traveling as they performed humanitarian duties, and enjoyed the camaraderie of many fine members of that unit, retiring as a Master Sargent.

He had the gift of gab, the love of people and travel, and riding ATV’s in the dessert. He is most known for his willingness to help others at a moments notice.

He is greeted in heaven by his parents, brother Ed Mello, and many other family and friends. Besides his wife and children, he is survived by his brother Jerry Mello and wife Patty, Sister in law, Patricia Mello, Mother in law Trinie O’Ran, Brother in law Sterling O”Ran and his six grandchildren: Anthony Watkins, Marcus Watkins, Ryan Mello, Lauren Mello, Kai Nahale-Cocco and Valentina Fernandez, and many nieces and nephews. He is also mourned by so many whose lives he touched through his generosity and fun loving spirit. Rich will be forever remembered kindly by all who knew him.

Celebration of Life to be held on Friday December, 14, 2:00 PM at Crossroads Church 41386 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA. We greatly appreciate the help of family, friends and hospice during our hour of grief. Donations requested to Wounded Warriors or the donation of your choice.

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10/01/2021

Moochie Bennett

Rest In Peace and sorry we cant make it because we are not in the area at this time. Rich you will always be remembered ! Sincerely, Eddy Kluth , Moochie Bennett and Johnny Tibbits
10/01/2021

Ed Phillips

He was - âThat kind of Guy!â Rich and I have been friends for about 30 years - Once I needed a hand and Rich was right there to help. He was -âThat kind of Guy!â He never asked for any return on his friendship - He was -âThat kind of Guy!â I saw him help friends -coustomers and employeeâs - sometimes people he didnât even know. He was -âThat kind of Guy!â Rich was always straight forward to everyone and always did what he said he would do. He was -âThat kind of Guy!â Rich loved his family,liked his friends and respected his employees! He was -âThat kind of Guy!â I am sorry I canât be there to show my respect, He will be missed by all! Ed Phillips He was -âThat kind of Guy!â
10/01/2021

Beth Tivnan

Dear Kathy, Jason & Family, I am so very saddened to hear of the loss of your wonderful husband and father. What a kind and generous soul he was. I will always be very grateful to the great kindness and care that your family expressed to my daughter, Meagan, after the loss of her husband and during those very difficult early years. God bless all of you. There are no words to take away the pain. Beth Tivnan Rutland, Massachusetts
10/01/2021

jim vigallon

i still choke up when i think about the passing of my friend....he was just a good human being...god put rich in my life to have another brother....i loved him...and i will miss him
10/01/2021

Tammy and Joe Pena

Iâve been friends of the Mello family for about 34 years and have a lot of great memories of Rich My husband and I have spent many happy times with Rich and Kathy. I would have to say one of the most memorable times is when a group of us went to Sunset Beach campgrounds and we proceeded to get kicked out of the campgrounds. We really didnât do anything wrong we just were sitting around the campfire talking and laughing but we had a ranger that had it in for us. The most ironic part was that when Richâs friend Johnny got there he had just had a turbo installed on his truck and the ranger told him to shut it down but Johnny had been told that on his first longer trip he had to let it idle for about 15 minutes. Anyways when we arrived and asked at the Ranger station Where is the âMelloâ family we were told we had to wait a few minutes as they had an issue with them. We later found out the issue was over Johnnyâs truck and him refusing to shut it down right away. Again I have a lot of memories of Rich but all in all he was a great friend and at one time also my boss as I worked for him and Kathy at TGIF and today 20 or so years later I am still in the Auto Body field but since I live in Texas I donât work at TGIF but I attribute my learning of the business to Rich. I am one of many who had the pleasure of working for Rich. He is no longer on this earth but his legacy will carry on and he will be greatly missed by a lot of people. RIP Rich. Love you my friend, Tammy and Joe Pena
10/01/2021

Evie Dopart

There was only one Rich Mello. A wonderful man, friend, neighbor, father, grandfather, uncle, and husband. He was the most loving, fun, caring, hospitable person you could ever want to know. We loved him very much. His passing will leave a big void in many many hearts. We're so sorry that we did not get down to San Jose to see him more. He meant a lot to our whole family. Thank you to the whole Mello family for everything that you meant to all of us. Love, Evie, Joe & Amy Dopart
10/01/2021

Kathleen and Bob Woody

I feel like many times I shared mornings with him in the hot tub,I would call Kathy and together they would be and he was always so gracious to share Kathy with me.My last time shared with him we were painting doors,he will always be loved in my heart,thank you Mello family for sharing him,love to you all.

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