"Sorry to hear about the passing of Charlie. He was not only a good steward of the St. Spyridon's, but also a good friend to me and my family. I will never forget the support and cooperation he afforded to me during my tenure as pastor of St. Spyridon's. I also fondly remember his wife Anna as well as his children Phyllis, Rita and Bill who were students of mine in Greek School and Sunday School. I extend my deepest sympathy to the family. I pray God to rest Charlie's soul amongst the righteous and chosen in Heaven. +Father Spyridon C. Papademetriou and Presvitera Metaxia"
In loving memory of
Charles T. Mellekas
March 29, 1920 - August 25, 2005
Charles Theodore Mellekas, 85, of 9 Cathy Circle, Portsmouth, RI, died Thursday, August 25, 2005, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was the devoted husband of Anna Pappastratis Mellekas. Born in Newport, RI on March 29, 1920, he was the son of the late Theodore and Effie Lewis Mellekas.Charlie was a life long resident of Newport County. He was a graduate of Rogers High School, where he enthusiastically participated in all sports. After high school he enlisted in the US Army Air Force during World War II. He served as a Technical Sargent in the Hawaiian Islands.After returning from the war, Charlie went to barbering school in Boston and also completed a vocational program in accounting. He went to work in his fathers barbershop on Washington Square in Newport. He worked with his family until starting his own business, the Esquire Barber Shop in Middletown, which he operated for over 20 years. Charlie also worked at the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Newport. He concluded his career as the Deputy Court Clerk for the State Supreme Court in Newport and Providence. Civic engagement was an integral part of Charlies life. He was currently serving on the Board of Directors at AHEPA and served as past president. He was also past president of the Lions Club of Middletown and of St. Spyridon?s Church in Newport. In retirement, he enjoyed serving community youth by reading to students at Melville Elementary School in Portsmouth. Charlie had an unending sense of humor and respect for all people. Most of all he was a family man and making time with his family was a top priority.Besides his loving wife of 59 years, he is survived by his three children, Phyllis A. Mellekas of Newport, RI, Rita Mellekas Rosenberg and her husband Donald Barber both of Ithaca, NY, and William C. Mellekas of Franconia, NH, his brother Harry Mellekas of Cranston, RI, his grandchildren John Asters and Sharon Genga of Newport, RI, Michael Asters of Las Vegas, NV, Dianna Asters of Fall River, MA, Cara Rosenberg of Oneonta, NY, Jenna Rosenberg of Ithaca NY, and Megan Barber of Amherst, MA, his great grandson Christian Genga Asters of Newport, RI, his guardian angel Mary Albrecht of North Woodstock, NH, his sister in-law Melcie and Rev. Harry Biggs of Galt, CA, his brother in-law Jim and Margaret Pappas of Harwick, MA and his godson Ted Cotsoritas of Newport, RI. He was the father in-law of the late Edward B. Rosenberg and brother of the late John Mellekas, George Mellekas and Irene Pappas.Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 29, 2005, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, with a reflection service to be held at 8pm.His funeral will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2005, at 9:00am from the Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Funeral Mass at 10:00am in St. Spyridons Greek Orthodox Church, 390 Thames Street, Newport. Burial will be in Middletown Cemetery in Middletown.Donations in his honor may be made to the Charles T. Mellekas Memorial Scholarship Fund, St. Spyridons Greek Orthodox Church, 390 Thames Street, Newport, RI 02840.
Tributes
"Anne,Phyllis,Rita and our dear friend Bill -our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Bill, you have been with us through good times and bad, as we are with you. We are so grateful for the intertwining of our lives and our families, and today we are cherishing the memories of Charlie's spirit, sparkle and the love he had for all of you. Charlie knew about friends, and he understood the deep meaning of friendship. We are with you all. Love, Jeanne and Larry"
"We send our love and sympathy to the Mellekas family. Charlie will be remembered as a gentle man who dearly loved his family. We will miss him."
"We are saddened to hear of Charlie's passing yet happy to know that his loving and forever enlightened gentle spirit lives on in his wonderful family and the grateful friends he touched so deeply during his life here on Earth. Please know that we are thinking of all of you in this difficult time. Our wonderful memories and deep friendship sustain us. Our thoughts and prayers are at your doorstep this very moment. Love Nancy, Rich and "the Lion Cubs""
"My sympathy goes to YiaYia & her family. I will miss you PaPu. You have always been nice to me. I will miss seeing & helping you put your groceries in the car at S&S. I have known you & YiaYia for over 20yrs. You were always asking about my family. I will always remember you doing puzzles & looking at the birds on your porch when I would come over with your daughter Phyllis. You treated everyone the same way. You were a sweet man, & I'll miss you."
"We feel a great loss. How lucky we are to have been able to share many great events in our lives. He was a most caring and loveable human being. We will miss him."
"We extend our sympathies and condolences to Charlie's family. We did not know him but are acquainted with Rita,Don,Jenna and Megan through Cara. Our thoughts are with his family. Pat Nichols & Bob Seibert"
"So sorry to hear the news. I will be coming there on Monday for the service. Condolences to all. Bill"
"IM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT CHARLESAKA PAPU PASSING.I WILL KEEP HIM IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS."
"Anne & family, My deepest sympathy to you at this very difficult time. "A Gentle Man" truly describes Charlie ! Anne and Charlie were a wonderful couple, and truly complimented one another through out there many years together. they never seemed to lose that sparkle in their eyes when they looked at each other. It's been some time since I have seen Charlie and Anne as I live out of state, But that is the way I always remember them when they come to mind. Two people very much in love ! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Charlie will be saving you all a place in Heaven. With Sincere Sympathy, Sheila"