Luis Xavier Melo

Luis Xavier Melo, 81, of Lawrence, passed away Sunday, March 5,
2023, at his home surrounded by family. He was the husband of
Maria Lurdes (Pacheco) Melo, with whom he shared the last 55
years.
Born March 2, 1942, in Flores, Azores, Portugal, he was the son of
the late Joaquim Xavier de Melo and the late Margarida Lepoldina
Xavier. He grew up and was educated in the island of Flores,
Azores, Portugal. As a young man, he was a gifted soccer player
and worked on the open sea as a Whaler. On August 27, 1972, Luis, Maria and their
eldest son came to the United States, settling in Lawrence, MA.
Luis worked at Malden Mills for 35 years prior to his retirement in
2006. He was a communicant of Saint Peter & Saint Paul’s Parish
and later Corpus Christi Parish. Luis was a member of the Lawrence
Portuguese American Salazar Club where he assisted soccer teams
for many years and enjoyed watching his beloved Benfica soccer
games. He was also a member of the Holy Ghost Society where he
volunteered for their annual feasts. Luis enjoyed celebrating his
Portuguese traditions by attending feasts, but his favorite pastime
was spending time with his family.
 

In addition to his wife, Luis' survivors include his four sons; Joe Melo, and his wife Lisa of
Methuen, MA; David DeMelo, and his wife Silvia of Pelham, NH;
Kevin Melo, and his wife Tanya of Hudson, NH; Luis Melo and his
wife Desiree of Manchester, NH. He is also survived by his
grandchildren whom he adored, Jennifer Joan Ouellet, Kyle & Ryan Melo of Methuen, MA, 
Devan, Siera & Dario DeMelo of Pelham, NH, Emma, Kiana, Jonas
and Amalia of Hudson, NH and Alexy , Jade Melo of Manchester
NH and great grandson Elijah. In addition he leaves his brother Laurino Melo and sister
Eugenia of Hilmar, California, his sister-in-laws, Idalina Melo, Zelia
Xavier and Teresa Melo and many nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
In addition to his parents, he was welcomed into heaven by his
siblings, the late Fernando Melo Xavier, Antonio Xavier Melo,
Jose Xavier Melo, his sister and her husband, Maria Melo Xavier and
her husband, Antonio Raimundo Xavier.

The family would like thank his hospice nurse Laurene Quick from
Tufts Care at Home for her care at the end of his life.
On Thursday, March 9, 2023 all are welcome to attend her calling
hours from 4-8 p.m. at Farrah Funeral Home, 133 Lawrence St,
Lawrence. His funeral mass will be held the following day Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10;00  a.m.
at St.  Mary's Church, 300 Haverhill St. Lawrence MA. Procession will follow for
burial at Immaculate Conception Cemetery.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to
consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society in Luis
Melo’s name.