WE SHARE THE LOSS OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL TALENTED SON. WE ALL EXPECT TO OUTLIVE OUR CHILDREN. THE REVERSE IS A TRAGEDY WE LIVE WITH THE REST OF OUR LIFE. HOW FORTUNATE YOU ARE TO HAVE TWO LOVELY DAUGHTERS AND THOSE SPARKLING GRANDCHILDREN THEY NEED AND ENJOY YOUR LOVING ATTENTION.. GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE IS EXPRESSED HERE ON EARTH BY GRANDPARENTS. AT LEAST THAT IS WHAT I SEE WHEN YOU SPEAK OF YOUR GRANDCHILDREN AND WHEN I SAW YOU WITH THEM AT THE FUNERAL DINNER. A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND IN DEED. WE HAVE AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE BEST OF FRIENDS. OUR LOVE PAT AND DON THE FUN PEOPLE !!!!!

I'm glad I knew Dave most of my life. He always had an easy smile which sometimes led to mischief. Most of all, Dave was a class act. I will miss him very much. Although I haven't seen him much over the years, I was lucky to see him and Bonnita recently at my sister Janet's house warming. It was a real treat and now a treasured memory!Our deepest sympathies,Jill Callahan Knoff & Family

Dear Bene,Although we were able to meet through business, Dave had the great ability to combine a business relationship and a dearing friendship which we will always treasure.Dave was not only inspirational to be around but his company was truly entertaining. We will always treasure our visit years ago with you both, you were warm and welcoming and Dave and you made us feel that we had known each other forever.Dave was fun to be around and made our business trip seem less like business and more of a family visit.Dave's kindness and freindship will never be forgotten.We wish for time to pass quickly for you to releive the pain and to be replaced with only happier memories.With love and our deepest condolences to you and the Mele family.Harvey and Val

David Anthony Mele MemorialComments from Janet McKnight – Lifetime FriendMy friendship with David began when we were just babies and has been steadfast throughout all these years. One of my earliest and strongest memories in my life includes Dave. In 1965 my parents drove to California to visit my Dad’s brother Tim and his family. While my parents were gone I stayed with Joanne and Nick. I remember that each night I slept in Dave’s bed and he slept on the floor next to me. Even at the age of 4 Dave’s chivalrous nature was evident. During my stay David and I played together…we each had such a great time that as adults we both remembered those days and discussed those memories.During our early childhood years, even though we did not attend the same elementary and junior high schools, we often got together to play. During those years I enjoyed going to Dave’s baseball games and spending time in his backyard playing with him and his dog Rex. When David was first born, Rex a German shepherd rescued from the pound instantly bonded with David. Rex slept under Dave’s crib and when guests came to the house, Rex immediately ran to David’s room and took guard under the crib to protect David. One year when Dave I both attended Tremper High School we had the same physics teacher but were in different class periods; mine met earlier in the day. The teacher allowed all students to bring a 3 by 5 inch note card to each test. I’d prepare a card writing as small as possible on both sides. I’d have every formula and concept for the test squeezed on to that note card. On each test day, Dave and I would meet in the commons area at lunch and I’d give Dave the card and highlight the formulas that would be included on the test. I never knew if the note card helped him, but we shared the note card for every test. There’s a picture in our year book of us and another friend, Laurie, sitting in the commons area where we met for the note card exchange.In high school we started making bets with each other on miscellaneous sporting events. We did not risk the mundane prize of money, rather on the line was being willing to do whatever the victor requested for a day. As chance would have it, the outcomes of first several bets went my way. Dave was quite a sport as some of the things I had him do will demonstrate.1. For one bet, I asked Dave to shovel the snow in the backyard of my parent’s house so I could see the grass. When he finished, I had him shovel it back in place because after all it was winter and the grass should be snow covered. 2. We spent a day at Milwaukee County Zoo where we rented one of the adult-sized wheel carts. Some of you may remember them they were black molded plastic with a rest space for your feet. I had David push me around the zoo in that wheel cart and he was happy to do it. I remember at one point I had him switch with me and I pushed him….given our size differential that only lasted for a short period of time. 3. On another occasion, I invited several of my high school girl friends over to the house and had David cook all of us breakfast and bake us chocolate chip cookies all the while wearing a pink gingham checked apron. Dave’s sense of self was evident then, as not many high school guys would be caught dead wearing a pink apron let alone allowing a picture to be taken of him in that pink apron.4. When Dave finally won a bet a few years later, I returned the favor of cooking breakfast for his friends and helped him do some work on the first house he built. Dave and I discussed in later years that the fun was not in winning the bets it was in spending time together and creating those great memories.About four years ago my husband Jon and I moved to the Milwaukee area which allowed us to get together with David and Benedetta. We met many times for dinner, always going to a different restaurant. Dave loved trying new places, eating great food and enjoying vibrant conversations. We talked about all kinds of subjects with one of our favorites being politics. We attended several baseball games and last year we saw one of Dave and Benedetta’s favorite musical groups, the Trans Siberian Orchestra for a Christmas concert with many of Dave’s and Benedetta’s friends.During these most recent years Dave and I had many conversations about all kinds of subjects when I was driving home from work late at night. One of the frequent topics was his work.He loved the auto salvage business. As you all probably know, David grew up in this industry and as far as I know it’s the only career path he ever wanted to pursue. He was outstanding in managing the performance of his division at LKQ. In our conversations he often would rattle off all his stats, EBIDTA, gross profit margins, inventory turns, cash flows…compliance with Sarbanes Oxley internal controls. As an accountant, I always enjoyed these conversations as it gave us one more thing in our lives that connected us. In this last year when he was working on his upcoming budget he called me to talk about it. He had finished his budgeted income statement and was contemplating issues for his cash flow budget. He asked if he had any questions could he call me...of course I said. A couple of weeks later when I asked how is budgeting process was going and if he had any questions, he gave me great details about what he did to figure it out. In that conversation, David’s compassion for others was demonstrated. He said he knew he would have to cut costs out of his budget to meet management’s expectations. While he paid close attention to the financial details, it was critically important to David that he protect the jobs of his staff…he put his people first keeping all his staff and he met management’s expectations to reduce costs. David was a true professional and a caring, compassionate manager. David was also a true friend, brother, son and husband.Joe, Dawn and Heather – David treasured the opportunities he had to visit with all of you. He spoke about the New Year’s Eve celebrations at your home, going snowmobiling, hunting and fishing... hanging out at the lake. Heather, David appreciated your unquestioned relinquishment of your room when he visited. Joe and Dawn, your recent actions of being with Dave and Benedetta continually through these past two weeks is a visible demonstration of your loving friendship. I know that words cannot convey how much these actions mean to both Dave and Benedetta. Danine and Michelle – David was proud of the two of you and happy that each of you has established your own families. He welcomed the opportunities he had to visit with you and your husbands and enjoyed the time he was able to spend with your children. He kept pictures of you displayed in the house and showed them to Jon and I when we visited.Joanne – David talked with me about how important it was to him that the two of you keep connected. He valued his relationship with you and the opportunities the two of you had to get together. He said the most recent lunch he had with you was wonderful.Nick – David enjoyed all the years he spent working side-by-side with you at the salvage yard. He learned a lot from you. He was so happy that you are enjoying your life during your retirement years. He shared with me that you regularly meet with your friends to play cards and that you and Lee golf throughout the year. Benedetta – David loved you deeply, truly. He loved to curl up on the couch with you hold you tight and watch a movie. He loved to buy you presents. Each year David would tell me what he got you for Christmas; he said he always had a hard time waiting for Christmas day because he wanted to experience the joy of giving those gifts to you. I suspect he may have given you some gifts early. David loved to travel with you, to go to new places and experience those adventures with you. He especially cherished the summer trips to Italy. He always told me how great those trips were and how great it was to spend that time with you.On Wednesday, my father and I traveled to Rochester to bring Benedetta’s car back to Milwaukee. When we arrived at Saint Mary’s Hospital we went to the Chapel and said some private prayers. My father picked up the daily reader and we read the posting for Tuesday November 2nd. As some of you may know Tuesday was All Saints Day – the day of remembrance of the dearly departed. It was striking to me that this would be the day we would all lose our great friend, brother, son and husband. David was a wonderful man and we will all miss him greatly.

Nick and Joann, We are deeply sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your son. Although we did not have the pleasure of meeting him, but as parents of our own children we can only imagine how difficult this period of time must be for you and your entire family. Nick and I go back a long way and have the fondest of memories that we only can wish our offspring would have the same opportunity and share in life's travels. We offer our deepest and sincerest condolences at this most unfortunate event. Prayers be with you.

I just learned of Dave's passing today. I'm so sorry I wasn't able to say goodbye in person. Dave's smile and spirit is one that I wish I could have spent more time with. I'm so sorry he has left us so early. May peace be with everyone close to him and may God bless him in heaven. Love his cousin, Pam

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of great loss.The extended automotive family has lost a true friend and leader.

We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May all your special and happy memories give you comfort.

To the entire Mele Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this very saddened time. My heart goes out to all of you. May God rest David's soul, he will be missed dearly. With Deepest Sympathy, the Heckenast Family

We are truly saddened to hear of your loss. Dave was our neighbor when we were growing up. My sister and I babysat for him and his sisters often. My brothers worked for Dave's Dad and Grandpa at Courtesy. His family meant a great deal to all of us. They were awesome neighbors. Our hearts go out to all of you. Love and prayers, The Kloets

My heart goes out to David's entire family but especially to Beanie (Benedetta). I only met David a couple times but I loved him and loved how she and he were together. A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:Its loveliness increases; it will neverPass into nothingness; but still will keepA bower quiet for us, and a sleepFull of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathingA flowery band to bind us to the earth,Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearthOf noble natures, of the gloomy days,Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkn'd waysMade for our searching: yes, in spite of all,Some shape of beauty moves away the pall-Endymion by John Keats

What sad unexpected news. My heart goes out to your family, I know I feel a HUGH loss, I'm sure it's much harder for all of you. I met Dave at Gateway in 1981, and we were instant friends, and have been ever since. (I was the maid of honor at wedding #1) I can't believe it's true. I am looking at all of my old photos, and just feel a tremendous loss. Rest in peace my dear friend, I love you always.

My condolences to you and your family. I had the pleasure of working with him for 3 years @ LKQ A-Reliable. He was a great man, friend, and boss and will truly be missed.

I am so sorry to hear of your passing. You will be missed by many. I heart goes out to David's family. Your are all in my prayers.

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Benedetta. David was an awesome boss when he was here in Kansas City and I have thought of both of you often. I know he will truly be missed.

Thank you David for all the great memories. You will be remembered and missed. Your family is in my prayers.

What a loving soul. We have so many wonderful memories with Dave when we were younger. He was always so nice to our entire family. He will be missed and our prayers are with his family.

Larry and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to the entire Mele family. We enjoyed spending time with him and Bernedette and always appreciated his sense of humor and had a quick smile. May God comfort you and give you peace during this very difficult time.

Dave was a great guy. I'm glad to have shared sometime with him.

I was saddened to hear about the passing of David. He was a good man and a friend. Please except my condolences. My wife Susie and I have you in our prayers.

Michelle: I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.~Angie

On behalf of all the Tremper Alumni, many of whom were friends of Dave, I would like to express my sincere condolences. He will be greatly missed. May his memory be eternal.

I could not believe what I was reading. How can this be? There was a time when Meal's was like my own son. Words can't express the grief I am feeling. I moved three years ago to Crossville,Tn and have tried to stay in touch with the happenings in Kenosha, but it has been hard. I would be there if I could. But I am sure my children will be there. Bean, I am so sorry! God bless you and take care.Cousin Jackie