Eurico "Rico" Melo, of Tewksbury, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a battle with cancer. He was the husband of Maria Eunice (Bettencourt) Melo, with whom he had just celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary.
Born July 17, 1954, in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal, he was a son of the late Albino and the late Laurinda (Silva) Melo, grew up and was educated in that area. He worked in farming, before serving with the Portuguese military in Mozambique. In 1977, he moved to the United States with his family, settling in Lowell. In 1989, he moved to Tewksbury.
Mr. Melo worked for Wang Laboratories for twenty years and more recently worked for Chevrolet of Lowell until he opened Haley's Diner in Salisbury with his wife and family. Mr. Melo was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church. His hobbies included gardening, wine making and fishing. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters.
In addition to his loving wife, Maria, he is survived by his three children, his daughter Ana Melo and her fiancee, Leo Medina, their children, Alina Marquez, Mya, Tatiana and Tyra Medina all of Tewksbury. His son David Melo and his wife, Kacie, their children, Olivia and Quinn Melo all of Haverhill. His son Eric Melo of Tewksbury. He is also survived by his sister, Ludovina Silva of Graciosa, widow of the late Manuel Silva; his brother, Valentim Melo and his wife, Celina, of Lowell; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
ARRANGEMENTS: YOU ARE INVITED TO HIS CALLING HOURS 2 UNTIL 6 P.M. ON SUNDAY, JAN. 29. ON MONDAY, HIS FUNERAL WILL BEGIN AT 9 A.M. AT THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND ST., LOWELL (978 OR 800) 458-6816. HIS FUNERAL MASS WILL BE OFFERED AT ST. ANTHONY'S CHURCH AT 10 A.M. BURIAL IN ST. MARY CEMETERY. E-CONDOLENCE SITE WWW.MCDONOUGHFUNERALHOME.COM.


