Obituary of Matthew E. Melito

Matthew Edward Melito, 70, Madison, NJ “Don’t cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” Matthew was born on May 27, 1951 at Columbus Hospital in Newark, NJ to Matteo Melito and Susan (née Linfante) of Bloomfield, NJ and joined his older brothers, Ralph and Tom. He loved to regale old stories about Sunday family dinners in Newark and his childhood in Bloomfield. He was able to keep in touch with many of his old Bloomfield crew his entire life and he always cherished those friendships and memories. Matt started at NJ Bell in 1972 as a Technician. In 1988, he came over to what was then Bell Atlantic Mobile Systems as a General Manager. Matt relocated to the Washington/Baltimore area in 1994. This put him in the right place at the right time and his career took off. Matt ended up as Director of Operations for Verizon Wireless, often working with the Federal Government especially after 9/11. He coordinated many presidential inaugurations, and provided aid for disaster areas. For the most part, he loved his job, his co-workers and looked forward to whatever challenges he might have to face. Matt made many long lasting friendships, mentored anyone who asked, and helped anyone who needed it. Matt loved being outdoors hiking, biking, gardening, loved watching his NY Yankees and Giants and, most of all, taking long rides in his beloved Z06 Corvette. He always dreamed of buying one; he saved a little for years and was finally able to make that dream a reality. Matt so enjoyed attending Corvette shows, especially in Ocean City, Maryland where we were able to drive on the boardwalk. Matt ended his time at Verizon Wireless in August 2014, after 42 years of service. He hoped to enjoy his well earned retirement, however, he was about to begin the fight of his life. And what a valiant fight it was. He put new meaning to the words “don’t ever give up” and he never did. Matthew tried everything he possibly could to stay here with us; however, his time had come for him to go back home and be with our Father. Anyone who knew Matt will miss his outgoing, beautiful spirit. He was a force of nature and will be remembered by his quick smile, great sense of humor and ability to have a whole room laughing at one of his many stories. To know him was to love him and he will be forever missed but never forgotten. Matthew is predeceased by his parents, Matteo and Susan. He is survived by the love of his life, Kathleen Moran of Madison, NJ; son Michael of Laurel, DE; son Christopher of Berlin, MD and his wife Shannon; son Andrew of Ellicott City, MD and his wife Christina; granddaughter, Abigail and grandsons Ryan and Keller. Also, brother Ralph of Bloomfield, NJ and his wife Huang; brother Tom of Bloomfield, NJ; his nephew Tom of Boonton, NJ, his wife Nicole and daughters Daniella and Kayla. He loved many, he loved big and he loved his life. Also, we would like to extend our gratitude to all of Matt’s doctors, nurses, the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps., the Madison Police Department as well as the Hospice care workers that made his last days as comfortable as possible. Family and friends are welcome to gather on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 4-7pm at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, 106 Main Street, Madison. (*Guests are respectfully requested to wear masks while indoors.) A Funeral Mass for Matt will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 10:00am at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. (*Mass will also be live-streamed on the Church's website: www.svmnj.org.) Interment will be private. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital.