Albert was born on February 27, 1922 in Scotia to John and Connie (Malftte) Mela and passed on August 8, 2022 at 100 years and 5 months!

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his beloved wife Jackie; his sisters Flora and Alice; his sons Ron and Paul Mela; daughter Janeyessa Harrigan; son-in-law Dan Harrigan; nieces Dana Wilson and Danielle Saffell; his brother-in-law Jim Green; sister-in-law Dolly (Green) Lucky; and nephew Jack Green.

He is survived by his son Jon Mela and daughter-in-law Jerrie Mela; grandchildren Jeremy, Vanessa, Jesse, Katie, Kaycee, Mariah Mela, Amanda Dias Adam Dias, Brett Harrigan; great-grandchildren Daylyn, Layla, Baily, Haydin; great-grandson Kaston; his nieces Jill Faughender, Julie Winburn, Gwen Luckie, Denise Sevean; his nephews Jaime Green, Larry Luckie, Hilton Luckie and Kelly O’Donald.

Albert attended Rio Dell Elementary and Fortuna High School. Albert worked at Pacific Lumber Company during summer vacations, and later after he was discharged from the Navy which he and cousin Louie Rovai had joined at the same time. Albert served on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific from Manila, Philippines to south of Okin. After his discharge in December 1945 he began work at Pacific Lumber Company for about 40 years as a saw filer.

Albert met Jackie shortly after being discharged and married her a year later. They lived in Rio Dell where they built their home and raised their four children. Prior to Albert retiring, he and Jackie had begun building a home in Shelter Cove which they finished. Albert was able to look out the window to check the water to decide whether to go fishing or abalone diving or just enjoy the beautiful weather.

Albert loved his family and his many friends. His best times were having them all gathered together. He loved his time with Art and Keith at Poppa Joe’s for breakfast on Thursdays and his fish chowder at Gill’s. He so enjoyed all the wonderful waitresses who took care of him at these restaurants.

He was most loved by his wife Jackie. The two of them were quite a pair. They truly were best friends and enjoyed many miles of traveling adventures in the motor home. He will be missed by so many.

Pall Bearers: Kelly O’Donald, Jeremy Mela, Jesse Mela, Brett Harrigan, Jaime Green, Roger Bradley, Frank Luiz, Keith Milican, Randall Stone, Jack Saffell, Adam Dias, Justin Pedrotti, Dusty Pedrotti, Lon Winburn and Trace Faughender.

There will be a celebration of life will on Sunday, August 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fortuna Fire Hall in Fortuna.

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The obituary above was submitted by Albert Mela’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.