MELVINA E. (VALLESI) CORTELLESSA

79, of Warwick, passed away on Monday June 4, 2012 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Giovanni "John "Cortellessa, Jr. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Arturo and Rose (DiMunzio) Vallesi.

She was a 1950 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School. Melvina worked for the City of Providence in the Tax Assessor's Office, retiring in 1956 to start a family and be a homemaker. She was also involved in the family business Cortellessa's Texaco for 38 years. She became a caregiver to her grandchildren after her son's untimely death. She was a member of the 1776 Quarterback Club and Drew Bledsoe was her favorite Patriot's player. Her first love was her family. She loved to go to the beach, was an avid reader and enjoyed music.

Besides her husband she is survived by her devoted daughter Joann Pfeiler of Warwick, her son John Cortellessa III of Cranston and his fiancAC. Patricia Baird, and the late Arturo Cortellessa and Michael E. Cortellessa; loving grandmother of Alicia, Jason, Katelin and the late Jessica Cortellessa. She was the dear sister of Marie Crudale of East Providence, Emilio Vallesi of Providence and the late Florence Colicci.

Her funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, followed by interment at St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston. Visiting hours Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.