Antonio J. Melo, 54, passed away on Thursday, December 8 in Brigham and Women's Hospital while surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Lori (Viera) Melo, to whom he had been married for 30 years.

Born in Salga, St. Michael, Azores, a son of Jose D. Melo and the late Maria (Oliveira) Melo, he immigrated to the United States in 1968. He was the proud owner of M&M Auto service and proudly served as a Lieutenant of the Dartmouth District No. 1 Fire Department for 23 years. He loved to spend time with his three sons and his dog Teddy. He was a member of the High Hill Fox and Coon Club, loved to play the saxophone, bowl, and fish.

In addition to his wife and his father, he is survived by three sons, Ryan, Richard, and Mathew Melo of Dartmouth; three brothers, Carlos Melo, Ricardo Melo and his wife Wendy of Dartmouth, and Daniel Melo and his wife Gina of Acushnet; one sister, Maria Melo of Dartmouth; godparents, Jose Louis Cordeiro of St. Michael and Lourdes Sousa of Dartmouth; two nieces, Jasmine and Kerri; two nephews, Joey and Nick; two godchildren, Marc and Brendin; three great nieces, and a great nephew.

His funeral service will be held on December 15 at 9 a.m. at the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Road. A funeral mass will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 783 Dartmouth Street.

Visiting hours will be held on December 14, 4-8 p.m. Burial will be in the South Dartmouth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Relatives and friends invited. For tributes and directions: www.waring-sullivan.com.