Former Local Business Owner, Long-Time Entertainer at Italian Festival, Atelio "Ott" Meale, Passes at 94
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on December 07, 2021 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Atelio "Ott" Meale, 94, of Fairmont, passed away on December 4, 2021, at Fairmont Medical Center. He was born July 30, 1927, in Fairmont, the son of the late Amelio Meale and Rosa (Dabruzzia) Meale. He was one of eight children born on Pennsylvania Avenue in Fairmont.
Ott owned and operated a Gulf gas station and later worked for Fairmont Box and A&P Printing/Creative Label, before retiring in 1993.
Ott enjoyed singing and was a part of the church choir since he was 16 years old at St. Joseph's church and later Immaculate Conception Church. He sang for over 35 years with close friend Sam Manno at the Italian Heritage Festival, held annually in Clarksburg, and served as a 
parade marshal when he "retired" from singing in 2014. He was known around his hometown of Fairmont for his singing and accordion playing at local nursing homes, weddings, and funerals of his friends and family. Ott was a committed member of the Knights of Columbus in Fairmont, earning his Third Degree Knighthood, and enjoyed playing bocce with his fellow Knights. He enjoyed the time he spent with his friends Jerry, Paulette, Bob, Mike, Elvis, and many others each morning and evening drinking coffee and sharing memories of the good ol' days.
parade marshal when he "retired" from singing in 2014. He was known around his hometown of Fairmont for his singing and accordion playing at local nursing homes, weddings, and funerals of his friends and family. Ott was a committed member of the Knights of Columbus in Fairmont, earning his Third Degree Knighthood, and enjoyed playing bocce with his fellow Knights. He enjoyed the time he spent with his friends Jerry, Paulette, Bob, Mike, Elvis, and many others each morning and evening drinking coffee and sharing memories of the good ol' days.
Ott was married to the late Mary Meale (Rios). In addition to his parents, Ott was preceded in death by his daughter Barbara Colaciello and his siblings, Filomena (Minnie) Amodea, Felix (Fitch) Meale, Josephine (Peen) Tristani, Marian Sapp, and Stella Hawkinberry.
Ott is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Atelio "Ott" Meale Jr. and Theresa Meale; his grandchildren, Nicholas Meale, Hilary Meale, Felix "Matthew" Colaciello, and Alex Colaciello (Lauren); and his siblings Joan Smith and Eugene Meale. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Knights of Columbus in Fairmont #942. The family of Ott would like to thank the staff of Fairmont Medical Center for their exceptional care of him at his passing.
The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Avenue in Fairmont, on Wednesday, December 8 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Vigil Rites and the Knights of Columbus vigil will be held on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.
A Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Church, 329 Maryland Ave, Fairmont, at 10:00 a.m. with Father Jojan Joseph as celebrant. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Fairmont. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com.
