Janet Rose Melillo, 88, passed away at St. Raphael’s Hospital surrounded by her family. She was the devoted wife of William Joseph Melillo Sr. for 67 years; sister of the late Yvonne Avidano Tienken; loving mother of William Melillo Jr. and David Melillo and daughters-in-law Cheryl Marks Melillo and Louise Ann Melillo; and proud grandmother of Nicholas, Brianne and Kyle Melillo.

Janet was born in Hamden, on Feb. 20, 1934, daughter of the late Julio Avidano and Rose Vacca Avidano of 158 State Street, North Haven. Janet attended Lyman Hall High School and graduated in 1951. Her professional career began at Ulbrich Steel where she worked as a secretary. She continued in a variety of administrative and secretarial roles which resumed at Camco fittings, Pitney Bowes and Data Documents. She was the secretary to the athletic director at North Haven High School, and concluded her career at Brescome Barton where she worked with her sister Yvonne.

Janet loved her family first and foremost. She was a thoughtful, loving, caring mentor, mother and grandmother and director of family of activities and the best confidant. She loved cooking, movies, and was an avid reader. She attended and passionately supported all of her children and grandchildren’s activities and sporting events. She was a member of the Green Acres Elementary School PTA and of the Marian Guild. Most importantly, she was an inspiration to her family and friends and a role model in the way she loved all of us. We are immensely grateful for all of the ways she touched our lives. She will be missed.

The visiting hours were on Dec. 20, at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Dec. 21, in St. Paul VI Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Hamden. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. www.northhavenfuneral.com.