MELLEA, Romualdo Gregorio, August 23, 1944 – July 17, 2022 - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Romualdo “Aldo” Mellea. Aldo passed away with his granddaughter, Brooke, by his side at Maple View Extendicare at the age of 77.
He was a loving husband of Diana for 55 years; proud father of Christine Lewis (Chris) and Laura Mellea; son of the late Gino and Rosa Mellea; a brother of Carmen Mellea (late Marissa), Marie Brunetta (Gino), Anna Cavaliere (Matthew) and Gina Mellea; cherished grandfather of Dr. Brooke Lewis (Mark Vanden Avond), Mercedes Disano and Levi Disano; dear friend of Eddie Kretschmer, Carmen and Rose Perna, Richard and Joan Harnack, and Celine Lebel; and uncle, cousin, friend, and mentor to many.
Aldo was born in Catanzaro Lido, Italy in 1944 and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1955. He married the love of his life, Diana, in 1966. Together, they had two daughters. He was a general foreman at Algoma Steel for over 30 years and retired as the youngest general foreman at the age of 49. He retired to do the best job of all, babysit his granddaughter Brooke (his Bella do Nunnu). He loved to landscape and “relocated” many trees and rocks to landscape his yard. He and his wife were well known for their beautiful flowers and meticulously landscaped yard, with many wedding photos being taken in their backyard and many City Beautification Awards won. Perhaps most of all, Aldo loved to decorate for Christmas. This process began after Thanksgiving. For much of December, he would sit outside roasting chestnuts to pass out as tour buses came to view his Christmas light spectacle. It was the thing that he looked forward to the most each year.
For every anniversary, Aldo would buy his wife one red rose for each year that they had been together. His daughter Christine will be sure to continue this tradition on his behalf. He took care of his dear friend Eddie for many years. Aldo knew someone everywhere he went. It was a testament to the strong connections that he made with all of the people who were near and dear to him. He would do anything for his loved ones that they needed or to make them feel special. He was never too busy to have a conversation or answer a question. He loved to use coupons and save money. He always loved to make people laugh, and his deep laugh will be forever missed. We will never forget all of his words of wisdom and will pass them on to generations to come.
As per Aldo’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you visit a loved one, make time for someone, or pay it forward, just as Aldo would have done. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E., 705-759-2522). Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.