Dr. Kenneth James Mello, DMD, 73, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2024. On New Years Day in 1951, Ken was the first baby born in New Bedford, MA. He had been a resident of Newport News since 1981.

He graduated from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst with honors in 1973 and The University of Pennsylvania Dental School in Philadelphia, PA in 1977. Ken served as a dentist in the U.S. Navy in Pensacola, FL and then completed his post graduate residency at The Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta, GA in 1981. He obtained Diplomate Status from the American Board of Endodontics. Ken was a practicing Endodontist in Newport News for 32 years.

Dr. Mello was preceded in death by his parents, Olive and Manuel Mello, and sister, Donna Caron. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara: his daughter, Kerry Sabo (Nick) of Raleigh, NC; son, Brian Mello (JoAnn) of Yorktown; sisters Patricia Mello (Doreen) of Falmouth, MA and Judith Mello; grandchildren, Nash and Cole Sabo, and Brendan, Blair and Barrett Mello; and extended family throughout the country.

Dr. Mello was a member of the ADA and The American Board of Endodontics. In Newport News, Ken was a former member of the Kiwanis Club, a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, and a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church since 1981. He was also a parishioner of St. Francis Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Hilton Head Island.

Ken took great pleasure being outdoors. He loved working in his yard and was known for his clocks. He liked bike riding, walking the beach and golfing in Hilton Head Island. He had many friends from all over the country and was willing to help anyone and everyone. His spirit will be greatly missed.

Ken's family would like to give a special thanks to Heartland Hospice, Visiting Angels (Jeanette Bates and Michele Southall), and Paula Dennis for their support.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 4-6PM at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton, VA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11am in St. Michael's Hall of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 144 Harpersville Rd. in Newport News, VA.

The family wishes expressions of sympathy to take the form of donations to the Dr. Kenneth J. Mello DMD Scholarship Fund (Pre-Med), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Gifts Processing Office, Memorial Hall, 134 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA, 01003-9270 or Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center at McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, MS 126, Belmont, MA  02478.

Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Dr. in Hampton, 757-825-8070.