William Logan Mello

July, 1955 – November, 2025

Bill Mello, a U.S. Navy veteran and surfer who spent his years chasing both waves and freedom, passed away in New York City on November 3rd.

Born July 1, 1955, he grew up with a love of the ocean that would shape much of his life. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1974 to 1977 before continuing to live and surf up and down the coasts, chasing waves and freedom wherever they could be found. In later years, after returning to Hawaii with his brother to surf the waves of their childhood, he retired to the mountains where he met incredible friends and spent time with his nephews Raven and Samuel.

His last three years, he resided in New York City and, while he loved to say the opposite — he truly enjoyed the constant movement and energy of city life.

From the islands to the midwest, Graceland to Santa Barbara, homesteading in Arkansas to home building Plain City Ohio, the Outer Banks to Florida and then Virginia. Sea breezes, rolling valleys and mountain skies, he was at home wherever he went, making dear friends and never loosing his adventurous spirit.

He was a skilled wood carver and an artist who found joy in creating with his hands. He was a lover of music and animals, a guitar and a dog were common companions. He was a man who believed deeply in fairness and opportunity. A proud supporter of labor unions, immigration and nature preservation, he tried to live the values of hard work and compassion passed down from his father and father in law.

He is survived by his sister, Niki Mello; sister in law, Sandra Mello; his children, Sarah, Christian, and Shaun; his grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Deborah, Lucas, Jay, and his great-grandchildren, Israel and Isaiah.

He is also survived by Deborah Murphy, Becky Triplett, and Dawn Denny, who each shared significant parts of his journey, and by Bailey, Taylor and Vanessa, who were family to him in every way that matters.

He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Alan Joseph Mello, whose passing on July 26, 2020, was a loss he carried deeply for the rest of his life, and by his brother, Patrick Edward Mello (April 13, 1952 – January 25, 2023).

Those who knew him will remember a man who followed his own compass—restless, independent, and completely himself.

To honor his love of the ocean and compassion for those who served, the family invites contributions in his name to the Surfrider Foundation and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans who are homeless regain independence and hope, providing housing and support to those in need.

A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

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