Obituary of Joseph Mele

Captain Joseph Mele, 88, of Silvermead, Freehold Township passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at home with his devoted family at his side, after an 18 year courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Mele was born in New York City, New York. He was a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy, Class of 1943. Joseph worked as a shipmaster for the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, Lithium Heights, Maryland for 26 years, retiring in 1980. Mr. Mele was a United States Coast Guard Veteran, serving during World War II. He was a member of American Legion Post #54, Freehold. Joseph was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy in 1974. He is survived by his second wife, Doris Mele of Freehold; one daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie Van Dusen and her husband, Allen of Jackson; two grandchildren: Dawn Williams and her husband, Rob and Jennifer Van Dusen and 2 great grandchildren: Kayla and Hannah. Visiting at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524) Freehold Township on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Monmouth Memorial Park, Tinton Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Joseph may be made to the Bethesda United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 245, Adelphia NJ 07710 and would be appreciated. For information, directions, or condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.