Joseph Paul Mell

CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA - Joseph Paul Mell, 81, of Cape Coral, Florida, and formerly of South Bend, Indiana, died March 5, 2017 at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, Florida.

He was born in New Carlisle, Indiana on June 30, 1935 to Joseph E. and Isle (King) Mell, the middle of 11 children. He is survived by his brothers Jack and Jerry Mell and Thomas Keen and sisters Barbara Tolmen, Audrey Kern, Carole Bragg, and Pamela DeYoung.  Also surviving are a son, Joseph Eric Mell and a grandson, Joey Eric Mell, Jr. of Oakville, Washington. Preceding him in death were sisters Gloria Layman and Judy Klute and brother Robert Mell.

Following high school, he served in the U.S. Marine Corp for 3 years.

In February, 1970, he and Roger Stouffer founded Corby's at Five Points in South Bend. He was the managing partner and established Corby's as a major watering hole for the Notre Dame crowd. Later, he and his brothers Jack and Jerry founded Mell's Diner in New Carlisle.

His laugh was infectious and his memory and recall made him the resource to settle many discussions. He golfed several times a week and was an avid fan of Notre Dame football, the Cubs, and the Bears.

Family and friends had a viewing at Kaniewski Funeral Home with graveside service and interment on March 9, 2017 at New Carlisle Cemetery.

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