Gregory James Harry Mellekas, 57 of Newport passed away at home on August 14, 2017.
Born in Newport, he was the son of the late James S. and Efstratia “Toula” (Sologiozy) Mellekas.
Greg’s story began when he took a trip to Mytiline, Greece and met the love of his life Maria (Koukouta) Mellekas. They were married on April 14, 1991.
Greg was a 1978 graduate from Rogers High School. While at Rogers he played for Mr. Toppa’s football team as a Captain and Lineman.
He went on to graduate from Johnson and Wales School of Culinary Arts in 1980. In 1982, he along with his brother Steve opened and operated Mel’s Cafenio.
Greg had a love of history and sharing his cooking talents with his family and friends. He was passionate about all aspects of his Greek Orthodox Heritage. He was devoted to his church, St. Spyridon’s Greek Orthodox Church in Newport, where he was an active member serving on the church council and always took a major role in the Hellenic Feast every year.
Greg was a sportsman who loved to play golf and racquetball, but most of all was a diehard Green Bay Packers fan. He also dedicated his time to the Cappy’s Hillside Charitable Fund.
Above all Greg loved his children and family. Besides his beloved wife, he leaves his children, James, Efstratia “Toula” and Asimakis “Asi” Mellekas all of Newport. He was the brother of Steven J. Mellekas and his wife Mercedes C. of Newport, Bessie Paipetis and her husband Christos of Greece, Zinovia Canale and her husband Greg of Portsmouth and Sotoria Montanari and her husband Fred of Granby, CT. He is also survived by his father-in-law Asimakis, mother-in-law Kanoula and his brother-in-law Strati Koukouta all of Pamfila, Mytiline, Greece.
Greg is also survived by many aunts, uncles, Godchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.
His funeral will be Friday, August 18, 2017 at 8:00AM from the funeral home with a funeral service at 9:00am in St. Spyridon’s Church, Spring Street at Brewer Street, Newport. Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park, Middletown.
