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David Gracia Mello of West Hartford, beloved husband of Dr. Elaine Blondin Mello, died Jan. 19. He was 92. Born on July 2, 1932, on Martha’s Vineyard, he was the son of Maximina Gracia Mello and Captain Manuel Mello. An Islander to his core, he always said that he was “just on the mainland temporarily.” He never lost his love of the sea as a sailor or his awe for the sky as a pilot. A licensed private pilot, he was certified to fly both seaplanes and gliders.

The first in his family to leave the island for college, he earned a degree in physics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and later a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Baltimore.

He worked as a civilian rocket scientist for the U.S. Air Force in its Cambridge laboratories. He did atmospheric research leading to the most sophisticated spy systems of the time. He later worked for the U.S. Navy in Newport, R.I., developing defense systems before joining EG&C Co. David later returned to the government as the director of the Inventions Program for the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. After he retired from government service, he worked for the Knights of Columbus, then the American Radio Relay League in Newington, and later the West Hartford Recreation Department and Dattco in Avon. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed many hobbies. He was a life member of ARRL (known as WIDGM), the American Aircraft Owners Association, AOPA, EAA, Yankee Territory Coin Shooters and the American Model Yachting Association. He served on the Energy Task Force for the town of West Hartford.

He delighted in working on projects with his grandchildren in his “Garage Mahal” and creating inventions in his “Laboratory.” He was happiest listening to classical music while eating dinner with his wife and the boys at his favorite restaurant, “Casa de Mello.”

Besides his wife, Elaine, he leaves two daughters, Sarah Mello of Collingswood, N.J., and Rachel Mello and husband Nicholas of Somerville, Mass.; stepsons Matthew Kriedel and wife Jennifer of Newington, Coen Kriedel and wife Rachael of West Hartford; and five grandchildren Benjamin, Tanner, Morgan and Mitchell Kriedel and Charles Temple and the whole Sweeney family who embraced him.

A Memorial Mass for David is planned this month in Dublin, Ireland and celebration of David’s life will follow in the spring. Farley – Sullivan Funeral Home will oversee arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to A Better World, 68 S Main St, Suite 201, West Hartford, CT 06107. To extend condolences, please visit Farleysullivan.com.

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