In Loving Memory of Frank Joseph Mele Jr.
January 23, 1943-August 12, 2024

Frank Joseph Mele Jr., passed away on August 12th, 2024, in the peacefulness of his own home, and with his three children close by in Cape Canaveral, Florida (Brevard County). Born on January 23rd, 1943, to Julia Motylenski and Frank Joseph Mele Sr. in Elmont Queens, New York. Frank attended Sewanhaka High School briefly, and then The Mele Family, later to include a sister Francis and brother Thomas, moved to East Northport (Suffolk County), where Frank attended and graduated from Walt Whitman High School in Huntington Station, class of 1961.
While a High School Senior, and following a fine tradition, Frank enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves in 1960. Upon graduating he proudly served active duty on the USS Cone (DD-886) until 1964. Frank was honorably discharged with the Military Rank as a Machinist Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer.
After his Navy service, Frank worked for The Grumman Corporation for a period, then began his career as a professional Independent Trucker, Tractor Trailer / Semi- Truck Driver, Oil Tanker Driver, and Gravel and Construction Truck Driver. Later in Frank’s career he worked for the City of Cocoa Water Department, Cocoa Florida beginning in 1999 until retirement.
Frank married his beloved wife, Elizabeth Rose Garbarino (“His Betty”) in June 1967 in Huntington, Long Island, New York, where upon they continued to live on Long Island, raising their family of three children, Frank III, Heather, and Elizabeth residing in Northport, Smithtown and finally Cutchogue.
As a younger father in the 1970’s, Frank devoted his time with his son Frank, as an Assistant Scout Master to Boy Scout Troop 410 (Northport NY). Both father and son continued to appreciate the many lessons learned and experiences from those times. Frank was an active member with the Knights of Columbus from 1988-1998 while living in Cutchogue. Having a strong sense of community service and duty, Frank enthusiastically and proudly volunteered as an active member with the notable Town of Cutchogue Volunteer Fire Department without fail from 1984- 1998.
Frank enjoyed an early hobby of making model classic cars, Naval Battleships, and many trucks, happily rekindling that hobby again in his last few years of life. Frank’s passion for tractor trailers, craftmanship, and his mindfulness produced fine looking model trucks that he proudly displayed. Always wanting his own Motorcycle, Frank finally bought himself in 1999 a brand new dark blue “Road King” Harley- Davidson. He thoroughly enjoyed those rides in Florida, taking his wife Betty with him, and riding along with his son and friends. Frank owned Ford Trucks, and two fine Ford Mustangs, with his wife. First owning a 1965 Midnight Blue Mustang, and then later, and just recently still driving a White 2009 California Special GT Mustang. Frank always took meticulous care of his vehicles, and both Frank and Betty enjoyed visiting local car shows in Brevard County Florida. Their White California Special GT Mustang even won a first prize trophy in 2016.
Frank loved listening to his Old 50’s & 60’s Rock and Roll, Classic Country and Country and Western Music. Frank had a creative and canny way of recalling the right lyric to match to the right moment.

Sadly, Frank lost his wife Betty , who passed away in 2022 after 55 years of marriage , but he is survived by his family : his children, Frank J. Mele III, Heather A. Mele- Baumgartner, Elizabeth R. Mele- Paquet, : his daughter in- law , Kimberly Grattan – Mele, his son in -law, Bruce Paquet ; his five grandchildren, Julia Mele, Jessica Mele, Victoria Paquet, Thomas Paquet and Johnathan Paquet, ; his younger brother Thomas Mele, one niece, two nephews and one brother in-law.
Frank’s memory will be forever held by his family, good friends, new friends, old friends, and neighbors alike from his time living on Long Island, New York and in Cape Canaveral, Florida.