Melanie Sommese Moffitt, 96, a resident of Dagsboro, Delaware, passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones on Monday, July 24th, 2023.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to her Italian immigrant parents, Emanuele Sommese, and Rachelle Franzese. The youngest of eleven children Mel grew up surrounded by family. Despite coming of age in the Depression Mel dreamed of being a pilot, and when that path seemed barred, she was not deterred and found a way to fly through the clouds when she became a stewardess for TWA in 1953.

She married Gerald "Mike" Moffitt in Brooklyn, New York on August 31, 1957. Thirty-three-year residents of South Hempstead, Long Island, they retired to the Delaware Shore in 1994. They were blessed to share a wonderful 54 years of married life.

Even though Mel saw herself as a shy person, she touched so many lives so profoundly. Her thoughtfulness, kindness, and devoted attention were unique and unparalleled. She, and her husband Mike, focused on providing their children with the best life possible without worrying about themselves. As her late sister-in-law, Carmela said, "Mel's Aces!" She was the rare person that created and shared so much love and left the world a better place.

Melanie is survived by her three children, a son, Gregory and his wife, Gina and their two children, Zachary and his wife, Hannah and their daughter, Sydney and Nicholas and his wife, Taylor; a son, Steve and his wife Linda and their four children, Cynthia and her husband Keith, Victoria and her partner, Harrison, Kelsey and her husband, Nic and Zac; a son, Patrick and his two daughters, Rachel and Jane and many beloved nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.

Services are planned for August 11th at The Parish of St. Ann in Bethany Beach, Delaware: Visitation at 10 am and a funeral service at 11 am followed by processional to Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery for interment.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Mel's name to mealsonwheelsde.org .