[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E58]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF LEDA A. MELIDEO

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2026

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Leda A. Melideo, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, who passed away on 
December 20, 2025.
  Leda A. Melideo was born on December 1, 1929, at home in the Lakewood 
section of Pittsfield, the daughter of the late Frank and Ida Curini 
Tranquilli. Her family later moved to the Morningside neighborhood, 
where she attended Crane School and went on to graduate from St. 
Joseph's High School as a member of the Class of 1947. A woman of deep 
faith, Leda was a lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, where 
her values of compassion, gratitude, and service were reflected 
throughout her life.
  On April 29, 1950, Leda married the love of her life, Anthony 
Melideo. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage and built a family 
rooted in love, devotion, and togetherness. She was a devoted mother to 
four children: Nancy (Houghton) Smith of Greenfield, Massachusetts; 
Joseph P. Melideo of Fultonville, New York; Anthony A. Melideo, with 
whom she resided; and Thomas A. Melideo and his wife, Gabriela, of 
Vienna, Virginia. She was predeceased by her husband, Anthony; her 
brother, Faro; and her sister, Diana Carlon. Leda's legacy continues 
through her family, including her three grandchildren--Marissa Kelleher 
and her husband, Sean; Sophia Melideo; and Samuel Melideo--her two 
great-grandsons, Callan and Nolan Kelleher, and several nieces and 
nephews who were blessed by her love and guidance.
  Known affectionately as ``Nonni,'' Leda was a bright light to all who 
knew her. She possessed a remarkable ability to find joy in everyday 
life and to inspire that same joy in others. Her contagious laughter, 
warm smile, and kind spirit made everyone feel welcome, and she was the 
heart of countless happy memories that her family and friends will 
cherish forever. Above all, she found her greatest joy in spending time 
with family and friends, embracing each moment with gratitude and 
grace.
  I am honored to recognize Leda A. Melideo for a life beautifully 
lived--one defined by love, faith, family, and kindness. Her legacy 
will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, 
and her memory will remain a lasting blessing to the Pittsfield 
community and beyond.

                          ____________________