Obituary

Lucille Antoinette Mello

December 15, 1943 – September 21, 2024

Lucille Antoinette Mello passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at her residence in Yorba Linda, CA. She was born on December 15, 1943, in Newark, New Jersey, to Jospeh and Mary DiTrolio, proud immigrants from Italy. Lucille was the cherished younger sister to Alphonse DiTrolio. She attended Saint Vincent Academy, an all-girl Catholic High School in Newark, New Jersey, and earned her associate’s degree at Caldwell College in Bloomfield, New Jersey.

In 1965, Lucille married her first husband and, on January 2, 1967, welcomed her son, William Joseph Meyer. Five years later, she gave birth to her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Meyer, on March 8, 1972.

Lucille’s professional life began in 1975 when she joined the Orange County Fire Department. She retired in 2005, having formed lifelong friendships and finding immense joy in both her work and the people she served.

In 1983, Lucille met the love of her life, John R. Mello. They married on October 1 of that year, blending their families and sharing a bond that lasted until John’s passing in 1993. He left this world far too soon at the age of 53, leaving Lucille a widow at the age of 49. 

Lucille was blessed with many joys in her life. In 1998, her daughter Mary married David Dominic Quiros, and in 2001, her son William married Allison Jean Thompson. Her greatest blessings came with the arrival of her grandchildren: Grace Ann Quiros on April 9, 2003, Emily Ann Meyer on May 27, 2003, Sarah Nadia Quiros on March 27, 2006, and Ryan John Meyer on March 9, 2007. They brought her immense pride and happiness.

A devout Catholic, Lucille was an active member of San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Anaheim Hills, where she became a parishioner in 1986. Her faith and dedication were evident through her involvement in the Bereavement Ministry, the Women’s Group, as a member of the church choir, and in the Shawl Ministry. She volunteered tirelessly at various church events, including the annual San Antonio Fiesta where she enjoyed cooking and serving in the Italian Food Booth, and in the Church Hall where parishioners played bingo. She also dedicated time to volunteering at the St. Joseph’s Cancer Center in Orange, and in 2015 was nominated as Catholic Woman of the Year.

Lucille loved traveling with friends and family, exploring many destinations. She traveled through several European countries, parts of Asia, Canada, and Mexico and throughout the United States. Cruises and guided tours brought her joy, as did exploring the world with loved ones.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband, and niece, Lucille is survived by her beloved brother, children, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, niece and nephew. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and a devotion to faith, family, and friends.



For Lucille A. Mello:

Vigil with a Memorial Rosary

Monday, October 7, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Chapel of Orange

215 N. Grand St.

Orange, CA 92866

 

Funeral Mass:

10:00 am

San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church

5800 Santa Ana Canyon Rd.

Anaheim Hills, CA 92807

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you consider donating to the St. Jude Foundation for children battling cancer including childhood leukemia. www.stjude.org