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Melillo was born May 8, 1927, in Danbury, son of Vincent and Rose (Bonadio) Melillo. He was a graduate of St. Joseph School class of 1940 and graduated from Danbury High School in 1944. He had been a registered Boy Scout since 1940. He served in the Army during the end of World War II and received the Victory Medal and Meritorious Service Insignia. He opened his own floral shop known as Don's Flowers.
He was a member and past president of the Danbury Exchange Club, from whom he received the Book of Golden Deeds Award for outstanding service to his community. He was a member of Danbury Drum Corps since 1940 and served as a past president. A longtime member of St. Joseph Church, where he served as an usher and member of the Lay Board, a member of Catholic War Veterans, Vespucci Lodge #160 and Danbury Veterans Council, as well as a former Board of Director of Scott Fanton Museum.
Melillo is survived by his wife, Betty Wimsey; son, Donald J. Melillo, Jr. (Cindy) of Westchester, Ohio; daughter, Joyce DeGross (John) of Danbury; sister, Marie Cesca of Danbury; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and brothers, Carmen, Samuel and George Melillo.
Calling hours are Friday, Aug. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at St. Joseph Church, Danbury. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery.
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