Mercedes-Benz expert founded John’s Foreign Car Service, Inc. of Wakefield
Published in the May 31, 2017 edition
NORTH READING — John Melto, 77, of North Reading, formerly of Lynnfield, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 29, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
John was the devoted husband of Yolanda (Gergely) Melto, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage.
John was born on January 22, 1940, in Budapest, Hungary, the son of the late John and Maria Melto. In 1957, at the tender age of 17, John fled his native country for Germany determined to build himself a better life. It was in Germany where he discovered a passion for automobiles, especially his prized Mercedes-Benz, and a talent for an understanding of the vehicles’ unique mechanics.
While learning to speak the German language fluently, John persevered in his studies and obtained his degree in 1960, graduating at the top of his class, in a program specializing in the mechanics of Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicles, in Stuttgart Baden-Württemberg, Germany, where the global automobile manufacturer is headquartered.
Immediately following graduation in 1960, John came to the United States, residing in New York City for three months where he mastered the English language, before coming to Boston and meeting his wife-to-be, Yolanda. The couple married in 1962 and soon started their family, raising five children together.
Following just a few years working for Gauthier Motors of Salem, in 1966, John focused on his entrepreneurial passion and talents and founded John’s Foreign Car Service, Inc. of Wakefield, formerly of Salem. The specialty luxury vehicle business flourishes today after five decades and is now operated by two of his sons.
Throughout his years as a devout family man and successful businessman, John relished life on the North Shore, a regular walker on Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield. John greatly enjoyed traveling, and having never forgotten his roots, he frequently traveled to Hungary to be with his beloved mother and many other relatives he held dear, including his sister, Edit Majercsik, who presently resides in Hungary.
John was known as “Grampy” to his older grandchildren and to his younger grandchildren as “Boo.” Most precious to John was spending time with his many grandchildren, with his wife Yolanda by his side.
In addition to his wife Yolanda and sister Edit, John is survived by his children, John Melto, and his wife, Maureen, of Peabody and their four children, Matthew, Anthony, Nicholas and Justin; Michael Melto and his wife, Carla, of Ipswich and their daughter, Bianca; Erika Salvaggio and her husband, Joseph, of Peabody and their four children, Anthony, Alexis, Kristina and Michael; Thomas Melto and his wife, Leanne, of Topsfield and their two children, Alexander and Zachary; and Monika Gallo and her husband, Jimmy, of Rowley and their two children, Alayna and Jimmy.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 1 Grove St., Lynnfield on Thursday, June 1 at 10 a.m. followed by an interment at Forest Hill Cemetery in Lynnfield. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center of Danvers, 102-104 Endicott St., Danvers, MA 01923.
