Fedora Puccinelli was born February 22, 1928 in Los Banos to Giuseppe Puccinelli and Rose Ferro Puccinelli. She grew up on Delta Road with her brothers, John and Balge, and sisters, Inez and Lorraine. While marching in the 1946 May Day Parade she saw a handsome young man, Joe Mello, and it was love at first sight. They were married a year later in June 1947. They worked together on their dairy for the next 25 years. After the dairy was sold, Fedora worked at a preschool for many years, retiring to become a full time Nonie to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every day, it seemed, they would stop at her house on their way home from school for a snack (that turned out to be a meal). It was always “Mangia, eat more.” How lucky we were to have such a great Mom and Nonie.
Fedora was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Augustine Mello, parents Giuseppe and Rose Puccinelli, her brothers John and Balge Puccinelli, her sisters Inez Freitas and Lorraine Rodrigues.
She is survived by her sons Tom (Barbara) Mello of Los Banos and Joseph (Cindy) Mello of Turlock, CA, Grandchildren: Amanda Bourbon, Aaron Mello, Sarah Silva, Eric Mello, Ashley Agnitch, Ally Mello. Great Grandchildren: Joshua, Jalen and Jacey Bourbon, Leah, Peter and Ava Mello, Julia, Jackson and Jake Silva, and Dempsey Agnitch. Great Great Grandchildren: Allison, Albert and Abram Bourbon.
A visitation will be held at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel on Friday, September 16, 2016 from 8:30 am - 9:45 am. The Rosary will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 10:00 am and a Mass celebrating her life at 10:30 am. Burial at the Los Banos Cemetery. A reception will follow at the OLF School Hall. Donations in her memory may be made to Our Lady of Fatima School, 1625 Center Avenue, Los Banos, CA 93635.