Ottavio Melidona, 87, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY died on Friday June 8, 2012 at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston, NY. Born in Pentedattolo, Reggio, Calabria, Italy he was the son of the late Giuseppe and Maria Antonia (Scrufari) Melidona. He was predeceased by his wife Antonia (Foti) Melidona.

Ottavio was educated in Italy and worked in his family owned wheat milling business in Melito Porto Salvo Reggio, Italy. In 1966 he immigrated to the United States and settled in the Niagara Falls area where he lived until the present time. Ottavio was employed at the Ramada Inn, Niagara University and Artpark doing painting and maintenance work. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed playing Bingo. In his younger years he liked hunting both while living in Italy and later in the United States. But Ottavio's greatest pleasure was spending time with his family.

Mr. Melidona is survived by two children Flora (Antonio) Strangio of the Town of Niagara and Joseph (Tita) Melidona of Apopka, FL; two grandchildren Frank (Merrie Carole) Strangio and Anthony (Lisa) Strangio, four great grandchildren Anthony Strangio, Alyssa Strangio, Mariella Strangio and Luciana Strangio, two brothers Aurelio (Antonietta) Melidona of Niagara Falls, NY and Gustavo (Cristina) Melidona of Hollywood, FL and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by six brothers and two sisters Nino (late Albina) Melidona, Dominic (Dorothy of Buffalo, NY) Melidona, Guido (late Domenica) Melidona, Frank Melidona, Arthur (Maria of Niagara Falls, NY) Melidona, Flora (late David) Chiodo, Mario Giuliano Melidona and Carmela Melidona.

Visitation will be on Monday from 3 – 8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Tuesday June 12th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th Street and Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery. If desired memorial donations may be made to Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY; Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, 5300 Military Road, Lewiston, NY 14092 and Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence, 5285 Lewiston Road, Lewiston, NY 14092.