John Mellace

John C. “Colombo” Mellace, 90, of Morton, Pa passed away on October 15, 2020. He is predeceased by his parents and his brothers Joe and Frank Mellace.

Colombo was born in Petrizzi, Italy to parents Antonio Mellace and Palma Munizzi in 1930. He came to America in 1933 and the Mellace family settled on Yale Ave. in Morton, Pa

Colombo married Geraldine Wenkel in 2001 after 45 years of friendship, and together they lived in that same home in Morton until his death. In addition to Gerry, Colombo is also survived by his sister, Mary Mellace Colvin from Catlett, VA, cousins (from Antonio Mellace’s family) John and Susan Condo, nieces & nephews Melvin Colvin III, Andrea Koesters, Anthony Colvin, Kimberly Ingber, Stephanie Harney, Christine Sparks, Frank Mellace and Janine Mellace. He and Gerry together had additional nieces and nephews as well as numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Colombo attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School and Saint James High School of Chester. He learned the trade of shoe repair and orthopedics from his father and beginning in 1948 they worked together side by side for many years. Colombo became owner and manager of Mellace and Sons Shoe Store in Morton, PA. After working in this specialty field for 45 years, Colombo retired in 2006.

Colombo had a great interest in Baseball as he loved playing, watching, and going to games. He even had thrown balls around with Dean Martin, who would visit with his family in Morton. Colombo liked making wine and keeping a garden but travel was his greatest interest. He traveled to Europe numerous times, in addition to South America, Mexico, Canada, Caribbean Islands, Hawaii and more.

His life centered around his family, Italian heritage and his church. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church where he received all of his sacraments and served as an altar boy. He lived and practiced a good church life helping many people in need in the community with his father and mother. May the lord bless their many deeds.

Family and friends and invited to Colombo’s Visitation on Friday October 23rd at The Knoetgen-Donohue Funeral Home 746 Kedron Ave. Morton, PA 19070 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM followed immediately by his Funeral Service at 12:00 PM Interment will be at Lawncroft Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations in Colombo’s name be made to Alzheimer’s Assoc. 399 Market St. Suite 102 Phila, Pa 19106.