A CELEBRATION of the life of a very popular Harlow man is set to be celebrated next month.

Tony Mella passed away earlier this month, aged 66.

It seems that everyone knew Tony. He was in our editor’s sister class at St Mark’s in the seventies. See!

Here is the message from Tony’s family, published with their permission.

Dear Friends and Family of Tony Mella,

Tony’s celebration of life will be taking place on Monday 10 February at 1:30pm at Harlow Cricket Club.

This will be a gathering to remember our wonderful dad, Tony. We know he will love looking down and seeing all his friends and family in one place to celebrate his life.

Please feel free on the day to say some words about my dad, it will be lovely to hear any stories you have about him, we will cherish them. If you would like to say something, please let me know so i can plan this in. And also to wear what you are comfortable in, the brighter and louder, the better.

There will be a cash bar on site and a memory book to be able to write what you would like if you aren’t comfortable in speaking.

As grateful as we are for flowers, we are would request that there is none. If you do feel the need to contribute, buy a drink for each other to celebrate Tony or put it towards something that you know would make Tony smile.

Love from India, Joe, Bruno and Ricky xxxxx