Emil Salvatore Meli, 94, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on April 4, 2016. He had resided at the Wingate at Ulster for the last three years.

Born in Brooklyn on July 29, 1921, he was the son of Joseph and Mary Meli. He proudly served our country in the US Army during World War II in Germany in the Eisenhower Division. Emil was the proprietor of Emil's Brass Bell Grocery Store in Hopewell Junction from 1953 – 1977. After his retirement, he worked for OTB then as the Maitre d' in his son's restaurant, Stockyard, in Hopewell Junction until he retired again in 2004. He was a member of St. Mary's Council #4065, Knights of Columbus and a Fourth Degree member of the John Paul II Assembly #2917. With his wife of 72 years, he enjoyed traveling throughout the states and abroad.

On July 10, 1943 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in the Bronx, Emil married Jeanette Guarino. He is also survived by his children, Loretta Meli Silas, Richard Meli and Tina Witson, Anita Meli and her spouse Vincenza Freeborn, and Christine Delio and her spouse David Delio; his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Richette, Seville, Rebecca, Genevieve, Victoria, Jacqueline and Emily; his great grandchildren, Talia, Cadence, Breccan, Nolan, Lucas, Elias, Benjamin, Anya and Owen; and his brother, Lindo Meli. He was predeceased by his son, Gerard Meli in 2001.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery with military honors. Please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.