From the perspective of a best friend and grandson, I have the honor of writing a farewell to Antone Mello, “Tony”, who was born on June 27, 1956, in Fall River, MA, USA. It is with a heavy heart that we announce Tony's passing on August 24, 2026. The world lost a brilliant, funny, compassionate, and loving soul. Tony was a man who was impossible not to like. His intelligence was matched only by his kindness and his wit. He was a modest man, one who valued honesty, compassion, optimism, respect (especially towards women), honor, justice, and equality. Above all, he cherished the welfare of his daughter, Shannon, his grandsons, his family, and his friends. 

Tony was a highly skilled metal spinner and an incredibly hard worker — often working two jobs to provide for his family. He lived a vibrant and diverse life, filled with hobbies that ranged from sketching and painting, watching movies and shows, fishing, shooting his bow and arrow, playing pool, to spending time with his family. He also found joy in providing support to his loved ones, savoring delicious food, lifting weights, and riding his bicycle. He was a proud member of The Rod and Gun Club of New Bedford, although he said on many occasions “I could never kill an animal”. Tony was a man of virtue and integrity, always ready to lend an ear and offer advice — but only when asked. He was generous to a fault, often giving away his money to those he felt needed it more. 

In the midst of our sorrow, we find solace in the book of Matthew's words: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). We find comfort in knowing that Tony is now reunited with his beloved dog, Hobo, and his parents, Antone and Helen Mello. He is likely playing or cuddling with Hobo as you read this. His spirit lives on in his daughter, Shannon Harrington, his grandsons Cameren Cabeceiras and Colin Harrington, and in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed by his loving and supportive siblings; Michael Mello, William Mello, Susan Mello, Lisa Tenczar, and Karen Kettle, along with their children. 

Friends and Family are cordially invited to attend a public visitation which will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM at the Southcoast Funeral Home, inside of the Ferreira Chapel, 1555 Pleasant Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02723. A funeral service will follow on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the same location. The Committal Service will be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 2233 Robeson Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02720 at 11:00 AM. 

The funeral home offers a lighted parking lot which is available on the corner of Boutwell and Pleasant Street, (opposite corner of the funeral home) and our facility has a handicap-accessible ramp and entrance. 

To his grandson Cameren, Tony was not only a grandfather, but a best friend, confidant, and constant source of wisdom and laughter. They spoke on the phone daily, often laughing at the fact that they had talked for several hours without realizing it. In these moments of grief, it is important to remember Tony as he was - a beacon of light, love, and optimism. 

We encourage friends and family to share their memories of Antone and upload photos on his memorial page. As we remember Tony, let us celebrate his life and the love he shared with us all. May his soul rest in eternal peace, until we meet again Gramps."

Services are humbly entrusted into the care of Southcoast Funeral Homes at Ferreira Chapel "Celebrating A Life Well Lived"