Frank J. Mellace, on May 30, 2018, of Clayton. Age 82. Beloved husband of Lorretta (nee DeSantis). Devoted father of Joseph (Charlotte), Francis (Melissa), and Michael. Loving grandfather of MaryJo, Joseph, Michael, Gianna, Tyler, Nicholas, Meghan, Alyssa, and Stephen. Proud great-grandfather of Christopher, Rocco, Benjamin, Domenic, and Theodore. Dear brother of Augustine Mellace and Elizabeth Mancuso.
Frank was a loving caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and godfather. He was always there for anyone in need. Frank was born to the late Augustine and Josephine Mellace and had nine brothers and sisters. As a child his entire family including his cousins would head to Whitesbog each year to farm the blueberries and other crops. Frank’s family today is still revered for their work in establishing the town as a blueberry capital, where to this day they still hold an annual festival to celebrate each year.
Frank was a celebrated Piano Tuner and technician working at Jacob’s Brothers Music where he met the love of his life Loretta (DeSantis). Frank’s expertise in this field created a following of musicians requesting only he touch their piano’s for tuning. He tuned Pianos for Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. He later also became an adjunct professor in piano repair at Glassboro State College now Rowan University.

Later in life after retiring he wanted a way to stay involved in the community so he became a school bus driver in the Washington Twp School District. He was beloved by the students he drove because he would sing to them on the bus during their rides.
Frank always had a passion for his lawn and gardening. When we moved to New Jersey Frank’s lawn was so green and thick that shortly after moving in the neighbors would ask where he bought the sod. He would look at them and explain it was from seed not sod and then he would teach them how to grow their lawns the same way. His lawn was always the envy of the development.
He also loved gardening. Every year he would plant Strawberries, Tomatoes, Corn, Peppers Cucumbers, Basil and other plants. His plants were so productive it was impossible to even visit and not leave without enough fresh produce to fill your refrigerator.

Frank had many passions he held dear in his life lead by his devotion to God and his family. He was very active in the church and part of the Legion of Mary. Frank volunteered for many church activities including organizing the Our Lady of Lourdes Church Annual Chicken Barbeque, many fundraisers and the Annual Church Carnival. He also was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister who would bring the Eucharist to the sick. He would also lead the Rosary prayer traveling to the incarcerated to spread the word of the lord.

Another of his passions was cooking which brought together his love of family and devotion to God. Frank loved to cook and the more people that he could cook for the happier he was. Frank always found a way to sit and feed anyone that showed up at his table. The holidays were always special. When the invites for Christmas dinner went out, the first question anyone asked was, “Is Dad making his escarole soup?” This was truly the favorite of every holiday meal.
Frank will truly be missed by all but never forgotten as in his honor the stories will be told by all who knew him and were the better for it.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Tuesday 7:00 – 9:00 PM and Wednesday 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road, Washington Twp. Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 PM at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Williamstown. Interment Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.egizifuneral.com.

“A Life Well Lived
Is Worth Remembering”