Hank Melfi

Hank Melfi departed this life on July 12, 2014 in a boating accident in the Stono River. Hank was a lifelong fisherman and surfer, and he loved and respected the magnificent waters and beaches of his Lowcountry home. He was born March 9, 1975 and grew up playing football and baseball on the fields of West Ashley before graduating from St. Andrews High School. Hank enjoyed working at the South Carolina Aquarium for five years where he used his carpentry and plumbing skills to assist in the construction and maintenance of many of the exhibits and where he received numerous awards for his service. He also enjoyed his tenure at Charleston Water System and was currently employed at Charleston Furniture Restoration. Whether watching or participating Hank was passionate about sports and was a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan and a diehard Gamecock. He also enjoyed being able to pick up a few bucks with his cue stick and had a great poker face. Following in the footsteps of his role model and hero “PaPa” (the late John Cantwell), Hank was the first to volunteer in a crisis, never met a stranger, and was compassionate and brave extending his help to anyone in distress. Like his PaPa he would light up a room with his smile and quick wit. Hank will forever remain “the world’s greatest son, brother, and uncle.” He is survived by his parents Theresa Cantwell and George Melfi; his sister Laura Melfi Flint and her husband David; his sister Rachele Melfi Box and her husband Rhett; two nieces, Ashley Flint and Hannah Flint; two nephews, Thomas Flint and Dylan Box; several aunts and uncles and many cousins, all of whom loved him with hearts almost as large as his own. Hank was someone you could always count on and is sadly missed by his family and lifelong friends. He always gave more than he received and is gone far too soon. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, from 6pm – 8pm, at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home West Ashley Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2014, at 9:30am, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston, SC 29407. Burial is private. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McAlister-Smith.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 2501 BEES FERRY ROAD, CHARLESTON, SC 29414 (843) 722-8371.

Visitation:
Wednesday, July 16, 2014