Longtime Lakewood bus driver Julie Ann Brown Mellano has passed away, her family told TLS.
Julie, 50, of Toms River, served as a bus driver for J&R and then at Jay’s Bus Service since 2011, up until she was diagnosed last year.
“She loved her kids she had each year,” her daughter told TLS.
Julie’s niece said “She had so many friend and students she loved and who loved her dearly in the Jewish community.”
Julie sadly lost her battle to cancer last week.
According to her obituary, Julie was born in Freehold to Robert and Gloria Brown on March 4, 1973. She was a loving and devoted mother to her children and a proud grandmother. Julie was a longtime school bus driver for Jays bus service in Lakewood. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Julie is predeceased by her mother, Gloria Megill Brown.
Julie is survived by her father, Robert Brown; sons Anthony Mellano of New York; Travis Mellano of Toms River; daughters, Megan Mellano and husband Michael Grimaldi of Lanoka Harbor; Rosemarie Mellano of Bayville; Kaylee Mellano; brothers, Robert F. Brown and wife Sherri Zlotkowski of Bayville; George Brown and wife Deborah of Florida; sisters, Laurie Minichini of Bayville; Barbara Brown of Bayville; Lacey Myers and husband Ryan of North Carolina; Aunt Carolyn Archer of Bayville; grandchildren Makayla, Lillianna, Michael and Mason; best friend Wanda Terry of Toms River; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and her faithful canine companion Bubby.
The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm at Timothy E. Ryan home for funerals O’Connell Chapel, 706 Atlantic City Blvd., Bayville. Committal services will be held privately.
“With her infectious smile and can-do spirit, Julie was an integral member of the Jay’s family,” Jay’s told TLS. “She fought hard and leaves behind her loving family. She will be sorely missed at Jay’s.”
so sad!
i am not usually the one who waits at the bus stop but my wife always was impressed by the kindness and thoughtfulness of the personable drivers at Jay’s who are out there for our kids early in the morning and again after a tiring day watching them get off, making sure it’s the parent who’s picking them up, and holding up the traffic until they get to the side safely.
Sending love and support to all those who are grieving her loss. Remember that you are not alone, and the memories and impact of her actions will live on.
Deepest condolences. May her memory be a blessing
Thank you for all that you did for us you will be sorely missed. Wishing her family strength and condolences.