John Joseph Mello, Jr., 77 of Russell, Kansas died Friday evening, November 22, 2013 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

John was born August 27, 1936 in Stoneham, Massachusetts, the son of John J. and Elizabeth V. (Doherty) Mello.  He grew up in Winthrop, Massachusetts and graduated from Winthrop High School.  He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959.

John was united in marriage to Joyce E. Rounkles on April 23, 1960 in Topeka, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two children; John and Mary.  They made their home in Topeka and Junction City before moving to Russell in 1964.

John worked with Safeway in Russell for 14 years leaving as Produce Manager.  He worked several years for Klema’s Apple Mart in the produce department.  He then went to work for Abco Wire & Metal.  He worked there for 18 years before retiring as Shipping Manager.  John enjoyed reading especially Westerns, watching and attending local sporting events and listening to music.

John’s surviving family include his wife of  53 years, Joyce of the home; son, John Mello (Shirley) of DeSoto, Kansas; daughter, Mary Bushnell (Lonnie) of Gardner, Kansas; two grandsons, Chad Bushnell and Michael Mello and a great grandson, Brock Bushnell.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Anne Oliver.

Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  A private burial of Ashes will follow the service.  Friends may sign the book from 9 AM to 8 PM Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.