Donald A. Demello

Donald A. DeMello, age 85 of Taunton, passed away on November 17, 2021 at Morton Hospital.

He was the beloved husband of Caroline (Mello) DeMello and former husband of Lorraine Byrne.

Born in Taunton he was the son of the late Antonio and Deolinda (Furtado) DeMello. He was a graduate of Taunton High School, Class of 1954.  After graduating from high school, Donald worked at Texas Instruments where he was recognized for his business savvy and was encouraged to pursue a college degree. He attended Bryant College where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1959.

Donald started a lifelong career as a licensed insurance agent with Boston Mutual. Later he started his own business out of his home and founded the Donald A. DeMello Insurance Agency where he worked with his son Don for the past 30 years. He was dedicated to his customers, first serving them out of his home, and later out of his office on School Street in Taunton. Donald was passionate about helping people and often had customers coming to his home for assistance all hours of the day and night. He served his customers through a battle with throat cancer opening the office while receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Donald was working in his office right up to his passing.

Not only a successful businessman, but he was also a talented musician who played the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. Donald’s music career started with the Taunton City Band while in high school. He performed with the Star Dusters at Bryant College while earning his degree. He also played professionally at several venues including Roseland Ballroom and Tony Parkers. Donald was the front man to a five-piece band and played at many area weddings and parties. He also taught music to students around the city.

Donald was a member of the Portuguese- American Civic Club (PACC) for over 70 years.

Donald will be remembered for cruising around town looking for yard sales to buy special trinkets for his family and walking the aisles at Market Basket. He will also be remembered by his family for his love of traveling, his stories, and getting quizzed on all the jazz greats.

Besides his loving wife Caroline of 38 years, he is survived by his children; Steven DeMello and wife Terry, Scott DeMello and wife Sarah, Linda DeMello, Donald E. DeMello, Christopher DeMello, Donald E. Twomey Jr., Carolyn M. Twomey, Erin R. Twomey-Wilson and husband Stephen, brother; Gilbert DeMello,18 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Adelino DeMello, Aires DeMello, Aldina Techiera,  and Evelyn Messier.

The family would like to thank the Emergency Room and first floor staff of Morton hospital for their care. Special thank you to all the wonderful nurses who cared for him.

Donald’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 8:30 am from the Silva Funeral Home 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square) Taunton, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in Saint Anthony Church, Taunton.

Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held in the Silva Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 23rd from 5 to 8pm.

Additional parking with handicap access is located on the North side of the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 in Don’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

For expressions of sympathy, to sign an online guestbook or to light a memorial candle, visit www.silvafuneralhome.com.