Sam Mele, 91, of Bethlehem-Hanover Twp., passed away on Saturday evening, Jan. 4, 2020, in Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg. He was the beloved husband of the late Eleanor (Romnosky) Mele who passed in 2016. Born in Fairview, NJ, he was a son of the late Michael and Mary (Rutch) Mele. He was a sales engineer for most of his life and held patents for several thermal couplers used by NASA during the Apollo Space Missions. Later he worked as a district manager for the PA Lottery. He was a member of the 540 and Grover Cleveland Democratic clubs and the West Bethlehem Republican Club. He was also a member of the former Bethlehem Club. He was a parishioner of Notre Dame of Bethlehem R. C. Church.

Survivors: He is survived by his children, Chris Mele and his wife, Amanda of Bethesda, MD; Tammy Slaten and her husband, Richard of Kennesaw, GA; Sam M. Mele, Jr. of Bethlehem; brother,Michael Mele, sister in law, Frances Mele; 3 grandchildren, Lindsey, and Katie Slaten and Vincent Mele. He was preceded in death by his brother, Anthony Mele.

Services: Arrangements are pending and will be announced once they are confirmed.