NILES — Michael R. Melillo, 64, of Niles, passed away at 5:09 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at the Cleveland Clinic.
He was born April 6, 1957, in Warren, the son of Ray and Jean Walden Melillo.
Mike was a 1975 graduate of Niles McKinley High School and owned and operated Men’s Union Barbershop as well as the adjoining beauty shop, Hair Design by Michael. Mike deeply loved the city of Niles, and he was a beloved fixture of the community. For the last almost 40 years, he could be found daily at his Robbins Avenue barbershop — an establishment built by Mike’s immigrant grandfather, Phillip Melillo in the 1930s.
He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Parish in Niles and was a proud Italian-American. His world revolved around his family and nothing pleased him more than to be surrounded by his adoring grandkids.
Mike led a very active and healthy lifestyle. Beyond daily fitness, Mike enjoyed golfing, swimming, running and playing bocce. He loved basketball and was known for his sharp jump-shot all the way up until he quit playing in his late 50s. Many of Mike’s days were spent coaching his children’s youth sports teams and eventually attending his grandchildren’s games. Mike re-started the Mount Carmel grade-school basketball program with Stu Sussman in 1999, where his teams were exceptionally successful in both winning games and building life-long loving friendships.
Family traditions were important to Mike. In the summer, he could be found tending his garden and, in the fall, crushing grapes in the wine cellar. Mike was also a Niles Frontliner who had a reverence for the proud Red Dragon Football program.
Mike meant the world to his loved ones and served as the guiding star for his wife and children. He will be gravely missed by his father of Niles; his wife, Gerri Gatta Melillo; a son, Vincent Melillo and his wife, Christina of Dublin, Ohio; two daughters, Michelle Spano and her husband, Randy of Canfield and Rose Allison Johnson and her husband, Chaz of Niles; a brother, Raymond T. Melillo and his wife, Pam of Poland; three sisters, Vickie Janik and her husband, Ed of Niles, Monica Melillo and her fiance, Bill Hensley of Painesville and Gwen Maynard of Youngstown; seven grandchildren, Chaz, Enzo, Nico, Mia, Carmela, Capri and Michael; and a little girl due in June (Vince and Christi).
He was preceded in death by his mother.
A friend to so many, Mike had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He had a knack for building profound relationships and leaving a positive impact on people’s lives. While his presence will be most painfully missed by both his family and community, his influence will be everlasting.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Due to the current health situation, social distancing measures will be observed. Facial coverings are also mandatory.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, preceded by a noon service at the funeral home. Facial coverings are mandatory at the church.
Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
Family and friends can visit www.josephrossi
funeralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Mike’s family.
(special notice)
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