Frederick "Fred" H. Mellin, Sr.

EAST TAUNTON- Frederick “Fred” H. Mellin, Sr., 76, of East Taunton, former longtime resident of Jamaica Plain, passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, June 19, 2023, surrounded by the love, comfort, and care of his family. He was the devoted husband for 54 years to Mary Lou (Manley) Mellin of East Taunton.

Born in New York City, NY, Fred was the third of five children born to the late Henry and Yolanda (Hoffman) Mellin. He grew up on Long Island and spent many years living in Smithtown.

A first generation American and wanting to give back to the country he loved, Fred, in 1965, at the age of 18, enlisted in the United States Navy. During the Vietnam War, Fred spent two tours of deployment off the coast of Vietnam, where he amassed nearly four years of foreign service. Fred was well deservedly awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star. He would continue to serve his country by remaining in the US Navy Reserves for over 20 years. He retired from the reserves with the rank of Machinist Mate 1st Class.

While in the Navy, Fred spent a short period of time in Boston as his ship was being restored at the Charlestown Navy Yard. It was on a night out on the town, he met his wife, Mary Lou, at the Fargo Building in the Seaport District. Being stationed at the Naval Base in Newport, Fred would hitchhike all the way to Boston to visit Mary Lou.

Outside of the military Fred worked as Chief Engineer in the hospitality industry throughout the Boston area. He was also employed by the Mass RMV where he worked as a Vehicle Inspector, particularly with school buses.

In his spare time, Fred had a wide array of hobbies and interests. He loved to work on and drive around in his two-door hardtop 1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air. He was an avid bowler, where he and his wife were members of various ten-pin bowling leagues. He liked to spend time sailing on the canal, fishing, and he was also an amateur beekeeper. Above all, Fred was most happy with the time spent and memories made with his treasured family, especially watching his grandchildren play the sports they love.

In addition to his wife, Fred is survived by his cherished and proud son: Frederick “Freddie” Mellin, Jr. and his wife Marianne of East Taunton; his grandchildren: Alyssa and Riley Mellin, both of East Taunton; his siblings: Georgiana Kelly of FL, Carol Mottola of NY, Barbara Kelley of TX, and Richard Mellin of NY; and also, many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Fred’s funeral will be held on Tuesday , June 27, 2023, at 8:30 am followed by a funeral service beginning at 9:00am in the Chapel of the Silva Funeral Home 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square) Taunton.

Interment with US Navy honors will be held at 10:45 am at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday , June 26, 2023, from 4 to 7pm in the Silva Funeral Home.

Additional parking with handicap access is located on the North side of the funeral home.

Due to the limitation of flowers allowed at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, donations in Fred’s memory may be made to the ALS Association-Massachusetts Chapter .  Please visit them at https://www.als.org/ https://www.als.org/ to donate.

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