Joseph W Mello

Joseph W. Mello Jr., 83, of Shaftsbury VT, fondly known as “Billy”, passed away at the Southwestern VT Medical Center on Jan. 14, 2022. Billy was born in Middleborough MA to the late Joseph W. and Jessie (Young) Mello. He is survived by his brother David R. Mello (Judith), West Galway, NY; sisters Kathleen McElligott (Paul), Latham, NY; Sylvia Silva (Roy) Albuquerque, NM; and many nieces and nephews. Billy graduated from Hoosick Falls High School and spent a long career as head groundskeeper for the Hoosick Rural Cemetery in Hoosick, NY. He took great pride in his work and always kept the cemetery beautiful. He was an active member of the cemetery association for many years. Having a most inventive mind, he was always finding creative solutions to fix or improve something. He loved watching old western movies, enjoyed any excuse for a snack, and was most happy spending time outdoors in the summer riding his lawnmower. He was strongly independent and had a quiet, kind, and gentle spirit. His loving family will deeply miss him. A memorial service will be private and at the convenience of the family