Joseph Soares DeMelo, Jr

Joseph S. DeMelo, Jr., 61, of Roosevelt Drive, passed away Saturday, November 9, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born on June 21,1963, to Mary Jose Rego (Pinheiro) DeMelo and the late Jose Soares DeMelo, Joe went on to graduate from Bristol High School, class of 1981. Joe raised his two beautiful children with his now former wife of 32 years, Kristen Sliney DeMelo. Favorite family pastimes were trips to Second Beach, enjoying the beautiful summer weather, and getting his tan on, a tradition he continued to enjoy with his girlfriend Kristin Faraone. Although an avid golfer for many years, there was nothing Joe loved more than cheering his grandchildren on in the many sports they played. “Papa” could always be heard from the sidelines shouting words of encouragement and support.

A lifelong Bristolian, Joe was deeply involved in the community he loved so much, from his time serving on the boards of the Bristol County Water Authority and Bristol Parks & Recreation Department to his devotion to local politics and the community at the George C. Lima Funeral Home; Joe was always passionately fighting for what he believed in. All of the friends and relationships he cultivated over the years meant so much to him. He will always be remembered as the kind of guy who would lend you the shirt off his back. He probably also sold you at least one family car during his time at Bristol Toyota. From his contagious smile to his wisecrack jokes, he knew how to light up a room. You were truly in the presence of greatness. A loving son, father, and best friend, Joe will be greatly missed. 
Joe is survived by: his mother, Mary Jose Rego (Pinheiro) DeMelo; his children Joseph DeMelo and Allison DeMelo (Mike Borges); and his 5 precious grandchildren, Jason, Mylah, Mason, Michael, and Josie Ann; as well as, his loving girlfriend, Kristin Faraone; and his former spouse, Kristen Sliney DeMelo. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 4-8 PM at George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street. His funeral services will take place on Wednesday, November 13, 9:30 – 10:30 AM from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 11 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street. Burial will follow in North Burial Ground. Family and friends are invited to a reception at the Lincoln Club. 

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be sent to: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, ATTN: Development Office, 263 Huntington Avenue #318, Boston, MA 02115-4506; or online at https://giving.brighamandwomens.org/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Soares DeMelo, Jr, please visit our floral store.