Charles T. Mellekas

Charles Theodore Mellekas, 85, of 9 Cathy Circle, Portsmouth, RI, died Thursday, August 25, 2005, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was the devoted husband of Anna Pappastratis Mellekas. Born in Newport, RI on March 29, 1920, he was the son of the late Theodore and Effie Lewis Mellekas.Charlie was a life long resident of Newport County. He was a graduate of Rogers High School, where he enthusiastically participated in all sports. After high school he enlisted in the US Army Air Force during World War II. He served as a Technical Sargent in the Hawaiian Islands.After returning from the war, Charlie went to barbering school in Boston and also completed a vocational program in accounting. He went to work in his fathers barbershop on Washington Square in Newport. He worked with his family until starting his own business, the Esquire Barber Shop in Middletown, which he operated for over 20 years. Charlie also worked at the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Newport. He concluded his career as the Deputy Court Clerk for the State Supreme Court in Newport and Providence. Civic engagement was an integral part of Charlies life. He was currently serving on the Board of Directors at AHEPA and served as past president. He was also past president of the Lions Club of Middletown and of St. Spyridon?s Church in Newport. In retirement, he enjoyed serving community youth by reading to students at Melville Elementary School in Portsmouth. Charlie had an unending sense of humor and respect for all people. Most of all he was a family man and making time with his family was a top priority.Besides his loving wife of 59 years, he is survived by his three children, Phyllis A. Mellekas of Newport, RI, Rita Mellekas Rosenberg and her husband Donald Barber both of Ithaca, NY, and William C. Mellekas of Franconia, NH, his brother Harry Mellekas of Cranston, RI, his grandchildren John Asters and Sharon Genga of Newport, RI, Michael Asters of Las Vegas, NV, Dianna Asters of Fall River, MA, Cara Rosenberg of Oneonta, NY, Jenna Rosenberg of Ithaca NY, and Megan Barber of Amherst, MA, his great grandson Christian Genga Asters of Newport, RI, his guardian angel Mary Albrecht of North Woodstock, NH, his sister in-law Melcie and Rev. Harry Biggs of Galt, CA, his brother in-law Jim and Margaret Pappas of Harwick, MA and his godson Ted Cotsoritas of Newport, RI. He was the father in-law of the late Edward B. Rosenberg and brother of the late John Mellekas, George Mellekas and Irene Pappas.Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 29, 2005, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, with a reflection service to be held at 8pm.His funeral will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2005, at 9:00am from the Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Funeral Mass at 10:00am in St. Spyridons Greek Orthodox Church, 390 Thames Street, Newport. Burial will be in Middletown Cemetery in Middletown.Donations in his honor may be made to the Charles T. Mellekas Memorial Scholarship Fund, St. Spyridons Greek Orthodox Church, 390 Thames Street, Newport, RI 02840.