Vito James Melfi is once again a happy man! In peacefulness on August 16, 2023 he returned to his Lord and reunited with his soulmate, Ellen.
Vito was a longtime resident of Monroe until relocating to Shelton in 2019. Born in Stamford to the late Matthew and Margaret (Romaniello) Melfi, he was a graduate of Stamford High School and the University of Bridgeport School of Engineering. He was a mechanical design draftsman by trade.
Vito was a man of great faith, strong work ethic and high morals. Vito was extremely proud of his family, his Italian heritage and his country. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served at the Groton Submarine base during the Korean War time.
Vito was a longtime and dedicated member initially of St. Stephen’s Church (Trumbull) and later as a founding supporter and longtime parishioner of St. Jude Parish (Monroe) where he and Ellen graciously received the 2010 St. Augustine Medal of Service Award for their dedication to the church community. It was here he and Ellen built many lasting friendships.
As a 4th degree founding member of the Blessed Pope John XXIII Counsel 5987 Knights of Columbus, he especially enjoyed the Knights visits with the residents of Southbury Training School (and never forgot to send a birthday or holiday greeting card to the Southbury residents).
He could also be found cooking under the tent (with his soulmate) during earlier St. Jude Italian Festival years. Vito was the first coach for the St. Stephen’s (and later St. Jude’s) boys basketball teams, umpired many a Monroe Little League baseball game and could be found on the sidelines at both the Pop Warner and Masuk High School Football fields during his sons’ glory days.
Vito and Ellen were devoted parents and will be lovingly remembered by their children: Susan St. Pierre (Shelton); Matthew (Susan) Melfi (Ind.); Connecticut State Police Retired Sgt. Walter (Gloria) Melfi (N.C.); Mark (Linda) Melfi (N.C.); and Lynn (Robert) DeVerna (N.Y.).
His 13 grandchildren: Jennifer (Matthew) Kochiss, Marc (Chris) St. Pierre, Dana (Ryan) Firmender, Jeff (Carla) St. Pierre, Steven (Francesca), Daniel (Vanessa) and Thomas (Jessica) Melfi, Ashley (Bill) Drakeley, U.S. Army Captain Nicholas (Joni), Lucas and Will Melfi, Maggie and Grace DeVerna and his 12 great grandchildren: Andrew, Joshua, Jacob and Leah Kochiss, Vincent and Sofia Firmender, Tucker St. Pierre and Claire, Lyla, Evie, Anna and Oscar Vito Melfi; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his loving wife, Ellen, he was also predeceased by his sisters, Lucy Zangari and Irene Goldkopf.
In lieu of flowers, family has requested donations to Blessed Sacrament Church. Website for online giving is www.blessedsacramentbpt.org/giving
Friends are invited to meet directly at St. Jude Parish, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe for a Mass of Celebration of his life on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10 a.m. Visitation will be Spadaccino and Leo Gallagher & Son, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m.
A private family burial in Stamford will immediately follow Mass.
“We know Heaven is a beautiful place because they’ve got you.” Rest in eternal peace, Mom and Dad.
