Obituary: Michael R. Melillo, 48, of North Haven

Information via North Haven Funeral Home

Michael Richard Melillo, of North Haven, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 22. Born on May 3, 1970 in New Haven, Michael grew up in Hamden and West Haven, attending Hamden High School and was a brother of Delta Gamma Phi.

Michael always gave back to the community, volunteering for the American Cancer Society, the Battered Women’s Shelter of New Haven, the Special Olympics, St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen as the Vice President of Alpha Gamma Chi, Hole in the Wall Camp, and various local after school programs. He was an instructor and black belt in karate for Fred Villari’s Studios Self Defense.

Michael was passionate about music and writing, and he learned how to play the piano while never giving up on his rock star dreams. Michael took great pride in having his poem “Angel” published in multiple editions of Upon Arrival.

Attending Southern Connecticut State University, Michael attained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management. Michael was a man of many talents, working positions at Quinnipiac University, a Sales Manager at AT&T, an Account Executive at Ameriquest Financial Group, a Business Banking Officer at RBS Citizens Financial Group, a Financial Specialist at the Hospital of Saint Raphael, and a Direct Sales Representative at Comcast. He also enjoyed his time as a chef at Tipsy Tomato.

His pride and joy came from his children, Deanna and Mike, with his former spouse, Sonia Mansilla, and her daughter whom he loved like his own, Meghan. Michael was predeceased by his uncle Andrew Melillo Jr., and his grandparents Doris and Andrew Melillo Sr. He is survived by his daughters Deanna and Meghan, his son Mike, his former spouse Sonia, his parents Tamzan Guarino and Donald Melillo, his step-father Dominic Guarino and his siblings Justin and Eric Melillo, and Stephanie, Nadine, Christopher Guarino, his nephews Brandon, Jason, and Ryan, and his niece Alyssia.

Michael was always living his best life on the beach, especially when with his children. The sun will rise again. The lord will guide. Together we can change lives. Our light affects our course of nature, even perfect strangers. Stormy seas, raging waves, the light will last, the darkness fades, in God’s control, Jesus saves. Through many trials and tribulations comes our greatest faith. Leave the rest to God. As Michael Melillo would say.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Click Here for: Go Fund Me Page

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit North Haven Funeral Home here.