John Nicholas Melia

John Nicholas Melia, 51, a resident of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away on April 20th, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. John was born January 7th, 1970 in Stamford, Connecticut to Nicola and Teresa Melia. He graduated from Stamford Catholic High School in 1987. John received an associate degree in culinary education from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island and worked as a chef before continuing a career as a driver for City Carting. In 2004, John enlisted in the US Army where he was active duty at the time of his death as a Sergeant First Class (SFC). SFC Melia was a well decorated soldier, having received numerous accolades during his 18 years of service to our country including Army Commendation Medal; Joint Service Combat Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal; Combat Action Badge; Army Secure Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Korea Defense Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Army Overseas Ribbon; Driver and Mechanic Badge. His career took him across the globe representing the United States, having completed two tours of Iraq, as well as stations in Germany and South Korea. John’s roles in the service included track driver, squad leader, assignments on the explosive hazards team, as well as his final posting as a recruiting station commander in Philadelphia. John was a big friendly giant with a compassionate heart that was double his stature. He was a beloved husband, son, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. John’s life work was to be of service to others and can be summarized as “my brother’s keeper”; truly, there was no one more concerned for the well-being of his family, friends, community, and country. He felt personally responsible for making sure that everyone was well taken care of and was always the first to answer the call of duty. Above all, John’s greatest assignment was being a devoted husband and father to his children. John survived by his parents Nick and Teresa; his wife Enma; children Teresa Rae (17), Giovanni (3), Santino (6 months); his sister Sarah; his brother Philip; sister-in-law Stacey; nieces and nephews Thomas, Margaret, Gregory, Nicolette, Rachel, Nicholas, Ginamarie, and Ralphie. He also survived by a step son , Jose. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Lacerenza Funeral Home, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT. Burial will follow at The Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, CT. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hope for the Warriors (www.hopeforthewarriors.org). To leave an online condolence please visit www.lacerenzafh.com