Obituary of Sam C. Melilli

U.S. Navy Veteran Sam C. Melilli, age 82, of Trumbull, died peacefully on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at Bridgeport Hospital. Born in Brooklyn, New York on February 5, 1925, he was a son of the late Peter and Antoinette Guccione Melilli. As a child, he attended the Waltersville School, graduating from the University School, both of Bridgeport and received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Bridgeport. A U. S. Navy Veteran, he was a member of the Seabees from 1943 to 1946 in Okinawa. He received a commendation for courage and bravery for rescuing three fellow servicemen entombed under a fiery enemy aircraft with exploding ammunition. He retired as the Vice President of Finance and Administration for 3M Fiberoptics in 1995 and had previously worked for Bridgeport Brass, American Machine and Foundry in New York City where he served as the International Group Controller and was also a former controller at IT&T in New York. He was a member of the Bridgeport Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Bridgeport Brass Tacks, the National Society for Business Budgeting, the Financial Executives Institute and the National Association of Accountants. He wed Esther Rodrigues on October 2, 1948. They were avid dancers and concert and theatre subscribers. In addition to his devoted wife of 58 years, he is survived by two loving children, Kenneth J. Melilli and his wife, Sandra of Omaha, NE and Lisa E. Melilli of East Norwalk, a cherished grandson, Christopher S. Melilli of Omaha, NE, a sister, Rose Melilli French of Trumbull, two brothers-in-law, Anthony P. Rodrigues of Fairfield and Alan Rodrigues of Florida, several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by a brother-in-law, Manuel Rodrigues and a sister-in-law, Julie Rodrigues Gradante. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 10:30 a.m. in St. Theresa Church, Trumbull for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with full military honors will follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery of Easton. Friends may call on Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m.