Steven R. Mello, 60, of Swansea, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was the beloved husband of Cyndie (Camara) Mello and the devoted and adoring father of their daughter, Samantha “Sam” Mello.

Born in Fall River, Steve was the son of the late Ralph and Isabel Mello. He was a graduate of Bristol Community College, where he earned his degree in Criminal Justice.

Steve began his career at UMass Dartmouth as an ISO. In 1995, he graduated from the MPTC Canton Regional Police Academy, 3rd MPOC, where he proudly designed the logo for his class. Upon graduation, he was promoted to Police Officer at UMass Dartmouth. Throughout his distinguished career, Steve served in many important roles, including Crime Prevention Officer and later Clery Compliance Officer. He proudly dedicated more than three decades of service to UMass Dartmouth and the university community.

Steve’s commitment to public safety, crime prevention, and community outreach was recognized throughout his career. In 2007, he was honored with the Real Hero Award from the Massachusetts Bay chapter of the American Red Cross for his extensive community fundraising and dedicated outreach initiatives.

In 2013, he received the Dennis Tucker Policing Excellence Award. The award was later renamed the Tucker/Mello Award, honoring his legacy and recognizing a staff member who demonstrates exceptional dedication to crime prevention and community outreach. In 2024, Steve was honored with the Legacy Award from UMass Dartmouth, a fitting recognition of the lasting impact he made on the university and the people he served.

While Steve was proud of his career, his greatest joy was his family and friends. He cherished time spent with those he loved, especially the annual trips to North Conway, the Mud Bowl, the Fryeburg Fair, and golfing at North Conway Country Club. He loved relaxing on the deck with Cyndie and his close friends, sharing drinks, stories, laughter, and making memories.

Steve was always working on a project around the house and took great pride in his home improvement projects. One of his favorite projects was creating a beautiful water feature with his close friend. He enjoyed golfing, watching movies with Sam, and sharing their mutual love of superheroes.

Steve was the kind of person who made friends wherever he went and was the friend everyone should have. He was loyal, generous, funny, dependable, and always willing to lend a helping hand. His presence brought laughter and warmth to the lives of so many, and his absence will be deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Steve was a member of Fall River Country Club, Swansea Rod & Gun Club, and Elks Lodge #118.

In addition to his beloved wife, Cyndie, and daughter, Samantha, Steve is survived by his brothers, Michael Mello of Fall River and David Mello and his wife, Ana, of Fall River; his sister-in-law, Elaine Camara and her husband, Randy; his nephews, Nicholas and Zachary Mello; and his nieces, Olivia and Elena Silva.

Steve leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, friendship, service, and memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. Most of all, he leaves behind the love of his life, Cyndie, and his beloved daughter, Sam, who were the center of his world.

He will be loved, missed, and remembered always.

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