Robert Louis Mello, 95, of Roberts, WI died peacefully on February 25, 2020 surrounded by his family. He was born on November 8, 1924 in Methuen, MA, to Joseph and Hortense (Raposa) Mello. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Bob received his A&P license from UCLA, and began working as an aircraft mechanic at Northwest Airlines in St. Paul, MN.

Bob married Lucille Capaul on October 28, 1950, and the couple was blessed with eight children: Michael, Judy, Janis, Colleen, Roxanne, Pamela, Robert, and Brian. Meanwhile, Bob continually sought out opportunities for advancement at NWA. After 5 years as a mechanic, he was promoted to flight engineer. By the end of his 37-year career, Bob was copiloting 747s to destinations around the world. After his retirement in 1984, Bob enjoyed spending time with family, flying his plane, farming, and traveling. He and Lucille wintered in Florida and visited 49 states together.

Bob will forever remain in the hearts of his children and their spouses Michael Carr, Judy (Ted) Schieffer, Janis (Donald) Bock, Colleen (Steve) Anderson, Roxanne (Bob) Rapp, Pamela (Jerry) Katner, and Brian Mello, 15 grandchildren Chauntel Simon, Camilla and Ryan (husband) Johansen, Matthew Schieffer, Tonya Schieffer (deceased), Joshua Bock, Phillip and Brittany (wife) Bock, Lucas and Christine (wife) Bock, Ryan Anderson (Alexis), Steve and Cait (wife) Anderson, Aaron and Laura (wife) Rapp, Justin and Megan (wife) Rapp, Laura Rapp, Michael and Samantha (wife) Katner, Melissa Katner (Erik), Mitchell Katner; 10 great-grandchildren Brintton Simon (Cailey), Colton Simon, Adeline Simon, Zackary Tronrud, Nickolas Tronrud, Elliana Johansen, Milena Johansen, Calvin Anderson, Logan Rapp, Sawyer Rapp; nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; his son, Robert Jr.; sisters, Theresa and Eleanor; brother, Bernard; and granddaughter, Tonya Schieffer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, March 5 at 11a.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hudson. A gathering of family and friends will be held one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery with his grandchildren having the honor of being casketbearers.

Services are in care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson.