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Celebrating the life of
John Fitzgerald Mell
Passed away on March 31, 2023
John Fitzgerald Mell
February 10, 1965 – March 31, 2023
John Fitzgerald Mell died unexpectedly on March 31, 2023 at the age of 58. John was born February 10, 1965, to Vergie and Vic Mell. He graduated from Benedictine Military School Class of 1984. During his Senior year of high school, he was selected Football Player of the Year by the Savannah Morning News and the Savannah Quarterback Club. He was also the recipient of the Coca-Cola Golden Helmet, MVP in the Region Championship game, and selected to play in the State of Georgia All-Star game in which his teammates elected him Captain.
Thirty-three years ago, John was instrumental in forming the Vic Mell Foundation, Inc. in honor of his father Coach Vic Mell. John’s good deeds and acts of generosity were exceptional. He was a long time employee at “Spanky’s”. At the time of his death, he was employed by and guided many young people in the I.L.A. #1475 Clerks and Checkers Union at the Georgia Ports Authority.
John was a lifelong member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He was a member of the Hibernian Society of Savannah, the Fourth Degree Knight of the Immaculate Conception, the Knights of Columbus #631, the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, the Irish Heritage Society, the Police Emerald Society, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Benedictine Athletic Association. Charities dear to his heart were St. Mary’s Home, “Spanky’s Help Save One of Our Own”, and the Carmelite Monastery.
His parents, Virginia Barbee Mell and John E. “Vic” Mell, his sister Mary Katherine “Katie” Mell and brother-in-law Edwin J. McCuen preceded John in death. His son, Nolan Fitzgerald Mell, joined him in death less than 24 hours later.
His son Brandon Michael Mell (Heather), his son-in-law Damon Christian-Mell, and his daughter Cecilia Mell Buttimer (Jonathan), his grandson Jack and his soon-to-be granddaughter Clara Marie Mell survive him. His sisters Laura Summerlin (Billy), Vicki McCuen, and Valerie Rogers (Danny), and his beloved Aunt Jane Mell also survive John. Big Uncle John is also survived by his many nieces and nephews, Jason Rogers, Justin Rogers (Nicole), Edwin McCuen, Jr. (Abby), Patrick Summerlin (Carol), John Rogers (Laura), Keenan Summerlin (Ellie), Virginia “Ginny” McCuen, Jordan Rogers, Laura Elizabeth Summerlin Lemieux (Brennan), Joseph Mell McCuen, Joshua Rogers (Audrey)and many, many great-nieces and great-nephews whom all enjoyed his pool. As well as many, many cousins and loyal friends.
Rosary will be 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with the Visitation after the Rosary.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 20, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Burial will be follow in Greenwich Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Vic Mell / Jim Walsh Foundation, Inc. at P.O. Box 14554 Savannah, GA 31416 or the Blessed Sacrament Church Renovation Project at 1003 E. Victory Drive Savannah, GA 31405.
“Come fall in line you men of ole BC, and we will win another victory”
A candle has been lit!
- Stephen Herb, Savannah, Ga.
A candle has been lit!
Rest in Peace
- Brian O'Neal, Savannah, Georgia
There was something special about John. You has a trait that drew people to you. We had some good times at Spanky's Southside. May God bless your family at this difficult time. GODSPEED my friend !
- Brad Wittfeld, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
My sincerest condolences for you at this time. You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
- Wendy Atkinson, Savannah, Ga
A candle has been lit!
Travel well John
- Jimmy Holland, Savannah, GA
Our prayers are with the entire family God has a plan. It may not be what we were expecting but lm sure John is in heaven with him. So sorry for the loss. Love Tim and Gail Ansley.
- Tim Ansley, Savannah, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
- Meredith Herb, Savannah , GA
RIPJohn!! Harry, Sherri and Bubba
- Connolly/Edenfield, Savannah, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
Rest in Peace my friend!
- Mary Lane Harris, Snellville, GA
My heart is broken by this news. May God provide peace beyond understanding.
- Fawn Barnard Smith, savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
I know my heart is breaking and I can't imagine how the family is grieving. It's unfathomable. I loved you, John Mell, with all of my heart. Many many people are hurting over this loss. You are missed. I know you are flying high with Vic, Vergie and Baby Katie (and Nolan). I can hear you singing "O Sole Mio" right now. Keep singing, sweet man.
- Liz New, Savannah, Georgia
Godspeed young man to young to be leaving us you will be missed. Prayers for the Mell family during this Easter time to have lost a brother and nephew . Sigbert and Margie All
- Sigbert H All III, Townsend, GA
Our thoughts and prayers for the whole family.
- Anna Maria Mathews Thomas, Thunderbolt , Ga
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mell Family on the loss of John and Nolan. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May the soul of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace
- Anne and. James Byerly, Kansas City, MO
John will be greatly missed. Will remember how kind and special he was. He had a heart of gold.
- dorothy lloyd, Savannah, GA
My condolences to the families John and Nolan were both great people of Savannah and I know they are at peace with each other and the Lord now.
- Tyler Douberly , Savannah , Georgia
RIP my Brother. So many wonderful memories that you have left us all with. So many stories that we will continue to tell. So many laughs, smiles and good times to remember. So many quotes, songs (O Solo Mio) and good advice! John always looked out for everyone and will be truly missed by everyone that was fortunate enough to know him. Prayers to the entire family during this very tough time.
- Frank Ryan, Savannah, Ga
I will miss my uncle so much he ment everything to me I will miss you and always cherish he was my favorite uncle in the whole world you will be my favorite uncle that i ever had im sad that he is really gone he was a big part of our family
- Sean , Savannah, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
RIP Buddy
- Therese Sheehan , Savannah, Ga
A candle has been lit!
To all of you my sincerest condolences. Early last year when I lost Artie, John was one of the first to give me courage. Why did they both die so young? My belief is that they are God's warriors to help with this crazy world somehow in Heaven. To John, Nolan and Artie, GOD SPEED!
- Beth Warren Hutto, Savannah, Georgia
Ongoing prayers for the Mell family. Another friend gone too soon.
- John and Kathy Gaudry Cliett, Metter, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Garrett & Megan Valentine, Savannah, GA
Our Lord calls us home in HIS time, not ours. Although this all happened without any notice, we can take comfort in knowing He & Son Nolan are resting in the loving arms of our Savior. Rest in peace my friends.
- Mark Corrigan Sr, Savannah, GA
My deepest condolences to all of the family and friends that held him dear. He will be greatly missed. May his memory be eternal
- Donna Miltiades Riddick , Savannah , GA
Prayers for the family.
- james l woods, savannah, GA
So sorry Brandon and Heather that we cannot be there to comfort you in this loss but you are in our prayers.
- Tonda and George Malone , Springfield , Ga
May he rest in peace. With deepest sympathy and prayers.
- Jane Harte, Savannah , Ga
Our hearts and prayers are with your family, now and always.
- Art & Evie Davis , Savannah , GA
You had a heart of gold. You looked out for everyone for as long as I can remember and many families benefitted from your kindness. Just a few short weeks ago we spoke for quite some time(you checking up on everyone) like you always did and who knew it would be our last conversation. My heart is crushed. Thank you for your friendship that goes back to our days at Blessed Sacrament and Benedictine with Richard. We will miss you but know you are in good hands, until we meet again. Rest In Peace our treasured friend❤️
- Trisha Morris, Savannah, Georgia
Rest in peace Big John. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. You were always a true Southern Gentleman.
- Walt Harper, Savannah, GA
John was such a sweet and thoughtful person. Always giving to his family and community. I'll miss you cuz, so much!
- Jane Arnsdorff Beasley, Savannah, Georgia
Words can’t express how much John touched our lives. My sons, Rory and Landon, looked up to him as a mentor in the years they played sports. The Vic Mell Foundation was a financial blessing for Rory while attending BC. As a single parent, John was there for us at time of need. A very special caring person! John and Nolan gone too soon! As you go through this difficult time, remember all of the friends who loved both of them! God bless!
- Missy Jarrott , Savannah , Georgia
John Mell, You may have left this old earth, but you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, my friend.
- LTC Thomas G. Smith, Sr. USA RET, Heath, TX
Our prayers are with all of you during these extremely difficult days. May God's grace be a measure of comfort and the memories you all share bring some peace to your hearts as we all struggle to understand the loss of John and Nolan. Hugs and love, Eddie and Lisa
- M. Lisa Dean, Savannah, GA
Our hearts are broken. You were such a wonderful friend to Randall and I. May the roads rise up to meet you may the wind be always at your back may the sun shine warm upon your face and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of your hand. We love u my friend.
- Peggy Thompson , Savannah, Ga
I am so sorry for your loss and please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Susan Reese Barfield , Savannah , GA
Your smiling face will be missed at the Port
- Michael & Jill Flynn, Savannah, Ga
My thoughts & prayers to the Mells & everyone close to John. I haven’t seen John since the very old days of Blessed Sacrament School & BC. I was the awkward, kinda nerdy kid & John, of course, the big man on campus. John- always affable, kind, athletic, passionate, funny- set the standard. Can’t believe you’’re already up in heaven, old friend, but know you’ll always have great memories & people that love you down here. Deepest sympathy, Lloyd vP
- Lloyd van Pamelen, Grayson, Ga
Heartfelt condolences for all of you. Such a sad loss for everyone. John was a true gentleman with a kind, generous heart. The world has lost 2 lights with the passing of John and Nolan. May they both rest in peace, and we can rest knowing they are reunited with all the friends and family who passed before them.
- Diane Rousakis Biggs, Savannah, GA
Rest in peace !!!!!!
- Claire Conley, Savannah, GA
So sorry to hear about John. I watched him grow up with my son through the years and my heart is broke. John was a great person and he did so much to make someone happy. He will be missed my prayers go out to the family.
- Green Chris, Savannah, Ga
Like John’s family and friends, I remain in disbelief in regards to his (And Nolan’s) untimely passing. I must remain grateful for the lifelong friendship that we shared-especially our years together at Blessed Sacrament and BC. John will be remembered by all of us as a devoted/caring Father, Brother, Uncle, he was always a Loyal and True Friend and he would help anyone in need. Until we meet again my good friend—-rest in peace.
- Richard Lutz, Savannah , GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with John's family and friends but our hearts are breaking for Brandon during this most difficult time. May you find a measure of peace in the memories you hold and comfort that only God can provide. With love, Eddie & Lisa
- Eddie & Lisa Dean, SAVANNAH, GA
Our deepest sympathies we extend to the entire family. He was a great man and will be missed tremendously by all that we’re lucky enough to know him. God’s peace be with all of you
- Conway family , Pooler, GA
My deepest sympathy
- Leon, Savannah , Ga
RIP Buddy, love you mean it! Until we meet again. Ciao (Chow)
- Sally Hodges , Savannah , Ga
May you rest in peace, John. Heartfelt condolences to the Mell family.
- Walter and Mary Dimmick, Savannah, Georgia
To the family of John, I send my deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. There are so many memories shared, especially the days of BC football. Rest in peace, John. May God surround all of his family with comfort and love, now, and in the time ahead.
- Carolyn Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA
A candle has been lit!
Prayers and love to the Mell family. John was a friend to all. My deepest sympathies. RIP John
- Garrett Corley, Savannah, Ga
i’m so sorry for your loss. John was one of the best of the best people in the world. John would do anything for you. My prayers are with your family.
- ANGELA RUIZ, SAVANNAH, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Rosary
- 6:30 p.m. on Wed, April 19, 2023
- Rosary 6:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament with Visitation after the Rosary
-
(map)
- Mass of Christian Burial
- 1:00 p.m. on Thu, April 20, 2023
- Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
-
1003 East Victory Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31405 - 912-356-6980
- Burial
- on Thu, April 20, 2023
- Greenwich Cemetery
-
330 Greenwich Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404 - 912-651-6843