SOUTHWICK – The community came together this weekend and raised more than $8,000 in one morning for the Mello family.
A pancake breakfast at Moolicious Farm Saturday was originally organized to raise money for Southwick resident Alex Mello’s medical expenses after he was admitted to the hospital Dec. 3 for pneumonia, which quickly turned to sepsis. Mello passed away Dec. 10 and the fundraiser took on a whole new meaning.
“I was informed Thursday afternoon that Alex had passed away,” said event organizer Kevin Bishop. “I then contacted (Moolicious owner) Joe Deedy and we decided to carry on because we felt the family now more than ever may need any assistance we could provide for them for the future.”
This money was raised through meals purchased, a 50/50 raffle where a unnamed winner turned the money back to the family and through straight donations.
“We had numerous people show up and say they could not stay and just wanted to make a donation,” said Bishop.
The event was attended by Alex Mello’s wife Wendi and their two daughters Alexandra and Madison
“Wendi and her daughters were surrounded by family and friends throughout the four-hour event,” said Bishop. “Besides this being a fundraiser, I hope that this was also the start of the healing process for Wendi and the girls.”
Friends and family – as well as strangers – flooded Moolicious Saturday morning.
“At times the line for people coming into the event was out the door and into the parking lot,” said Bishop.
Bishop said “there are too many people to thank to name all of them but I would like to mention a few,” and thanked numerous people, including Steven Cournoyer and Jean McGivney-Burelle who were his contacts with the Mello Family.
Numerous classmates of Alexandra and Madison helped serve the meals, sold raffle tickets and cleaned up. Team Justice Racers Austin Brooks, Bradley Austin and Team Mentor Officer Tom Krutka spent Friday evening with Bishop and Deedy set up and enclose an outdoor seating area for the anticipated large numbers that were expected.
“The last group of people that I would like to thank are the people that showed up and made donations or had kind words for the Mello family,” Bishop said. “The theme throughout the day was that people were so proud to to be part of the community of Southwick and that the family and friends of the Mellos where so thankful for the community support.”
Bishop also thanked Joe and Kristi Deedy and the staff at Moolicious for donating their time and services for this event.
“If it were not for them, this event would never have happened,” he said.
Mello, 44, was born in Springfield and is survived by his wife of l8 years, Wendi (Fiddler) Mello and their daughters Alexandra and Madison.
He was well-known and highly respected in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. During his 22 years at Microtest Laboratories in Agawam, he developed a large professional network within the industry, while project managing the production of over 70 different drug and medical device products.
During this time he also continued his development thru professional certification as a Specialist in Microbiology, obtaining a Masters Degree in Biological and Biomedical sciences and published several papers.
In 2014 he formed GMPExcellence utilizing his vast knowledge and experience to embark on a new career as an independent consultant within the pharmaceutical and medical device industry where he was able to draw upon the many professional relationships he developed through the years. He found immediate success with many industry colleagues who greatly respected him and looked to him for professional guidance.
Alex was dedicated to his career, but above all he was a family man, enjoying skiing, hiking, camping and road trips in the RV never leaving behind their furry four legged friends. Also an avid golfer, soccer player and pool shark. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Firtion Adams in Westfield.
Calling hours will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. And the funeral will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial immediately following at Southwick New Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to ‘The Alex Mello Memorial Fund’ at Westfield Bank.
