Patrick J. Mele, age 93, of Pittsfield, passed away on January 4, 2021 at Lowell General Hospital from Covid-19.
Patrick was born in Pittsfield on May 12, 1927, son of the late Antonio and Amelia Timpano Mele. He was educated in the Pittsfield Public School system. Patrick enlisted in the United States Navy and served in WWII, assigned aboard the U.S.S. Diamond Head a Mount Hood class ammunition ship from 1945-46.
Patrick was married to the former Irene A. McLaughlin who predeceased him on September 8, 2013.
Patrick became a member of Laborers Local 473 on October 16, 1957. After working on several jobs including, the Mass. Turnpike Extension, he was elected to serve as Business Manager in December of 1959.
Patrick was passionate about the work he did and spent his career working together with local contractors to provide a living wage, health benefits and a pension plan. The work he put in over the years has made a valuable impact on the lives of Laborers today. Upon his retirement in 1992 he was instrumental in forming the Local 473 Retirees Council.
Patrick’s childhood during the depression formed the man he would become. He would never take anything for granted and always had to stay busy with one project or another. He was always ready to provide tools or expertise to family or friends regardless of the size of their job and took great satisfaction and pride in a job well done. Patrick was an active member within the community and giving back was a top priority of his. He organized and participated to provide local nonprofits with volunteers needed for construction projects as well as managing the annual fundraising effort for Dollars Against Diabetes.
Along with all his great accomplishments, Patrick enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and scratching lottery tickets.
Patrick is survived by his sister Philomena Martin of Lee. He was predeceased by his sister Esther O'Neil; his brothers: Nicholas Mele and David Mele.
He leaves behind sons, Patrick J. Mele, Jr. (Dianne) of Pittsfield, Michael Filpi (Janice) of Pittsfield and Vincent Filpi (Donna) of Florida; daughters, Elissa Allessio (Thomas) of Dalton, Tanya Grillon (Paul) of Dalton and Marisa Pallos (Mark)of Pittsfield and twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson Vincent A. Filpi III.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Solider On, or to Samaritans, Inc. Boston Chapter in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.