Jeanette M. Meli, a Longtime Dutchess County Resident, Dies a 93

Jeanette M. Meli, 93, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on November 11, 2017. She had resided in Dutchess County for over 64 years.

Born in Brooklyn on October 10, 1924, she was the daughter of the late James and Jennie Guarino. Jeanette graduated from New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn, NY at the age of 16. Along with her husband, Emil, she was the proprietor of Emil’s Brass Bell Grocery Store in Hopewell Junction from 1953 – 1977. She was a voracious reader and loved painting ceramics. Above all, her faith and her family were of the upmost importance. She and her husband enjoyed many years of traveling throughout the states and abroad.

Jeanette Guarino married Emil Meli on July 10, 1943, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Brooklyn, NY. She is survived by her children: Loretta (Lori) Meli Silas, Richard Meli and Tina Witson, Anita Meli and her spouse Vincenza Freeborn, and Christine Delio and her spouse David Delio; and her grandchildren: Elizabeth Silas-Havas and her husband James Havas, Richette McCarthy and her husband Frank, Seville Koopman and her husband Jon, Rebecca Krakat, Genevieve Gallo and her husband Gregory, Victoria Freeborn, Jacqueline Delio, and Emily Delio. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Talia, Cadence, and Breccan McCarthy, Nolan and Lucas Koopman, Elias and Benjamin Havas, Anya and Owen Krakat; and her brother Michael Guarino. Jeanette was predeceased by her husband Emil in 2016; her son Gerard in 2001; her brothers Roy Guarino and Vincent Guarino; and her grandson Jonathan Krakat.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation or the American Diabetes Association. Please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.