Richard Vito Mele

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mineral Ridge for Richard Mele, formerly of Mineral Ridge, who passed away Friday evening at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital. He was 50. Rick was born April 11, 1955 in East Cleveland, a son of Vito and Dolores Rabbitt Mele Jr. Rick was a graduate of Mineral Ridge High School Class of 1973, was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, owner and operator of Mr. Fence in Niles, very active in Niles youth football, coaching the Niles Mustangs and Niles Little Red Dragons for 15 years. Rick won six Superbowls with the Little Red Dragons, four as a head coach between 1995-1999. He also enjoyed boating and camping. Rick is survived by his parents of Mineral Ridge; four children: Amanda M. Mele of Cartersville, GA, Nicholas V. Mele, Richard V. Mele Jr., and Lena A. Mele all of Warren; one step daughter Holly Morgan of Bristolville; two sisters: Mary Ann Papas and Christine Potter both of Mineral Ridge; one brother Joseph Mele of Chandler, AZ; and one grandson Gavin Michael Vito Speed. Friends may call from 5-8 PM Tuesday at the Lane Funeral Home Mineral Ridge Chapel where prayers will be recited at 4:45 PM Tuesday.