Dexter Paul Mello, 64, Was Known for Kindness

Dexter Paul Mello died in a car accident on March 17, just two days after his 64th birthday. Dexter was born in the Oak Bluffs Hospital and raised in Edgartown. In his youth he attended St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Edgartown and served as an alter boy. He remained a devoted member of the church throughout his life. Dexter lived most of his life on the Vineyard and was a native son who was known and loved by his extended family and many, many friends.

Dexter's acts of kindness are what his family and friends will remember most about him. Every day he had a route he would drive to check-in with the people who were most dear to him. Among the Islanders who will miss him the most, are his early morning friends who meet each day for coffee at the Triangle in Edgartown. He would always visit his mother next, and run errands for her. The rest of the day would include paying visits and doing chores for other family members and friends. Sometimes, just to sit for a while and always to make their day better. He was affectionately known as "The Communicator" within the family, because he kept everyone informed of how the other's were doing.

Dexter felt very blessed and complete to have his loving partner, Diane Castelli, in his life for the past 20 years. Through thick and thin they endured many hardships and obstacles. Their dedication to each other helped them overcome so much. His life with Diane is what gave him true happiness.

All who knew Dexter, both within his family and without, agree that his courage, loving heart, and understanding of the human condition, was an inspiration to all of us. Dexter taught all those whose lives he touched, that it is the content of our character that means the most in the end. There never will be another quite like him.

Dexter leaves behind his partner Diane Castelli and her family; his mother, Edith L. Bennett; his brothers Tom Bennett, Roy Scheffer, Dudley Bennett and Jonathan Bennett, and their families; his aunt Pauline Benton, uncles Harris and Sam Drake, and many cousins and friends. There will be a memorial service held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 25 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Daybreak at Martha's Vineyard Community Services, 111 Edgartown Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.