2009 Day of Portugal Grand Marshal

 

 

 

 

Representative Helio Melo

Representative Helio Melo was born in Praia da Vitoria, Terceira, Acores on January 10, 1968 to David & Paulina Melo. He is the youngest of six children.  The family migrated to East Providence, Rhode Island when he was only six weeks old. 

Representative Melo attended the East Providence School System and later attended classes at the University of Rhode Island.  He has been married for 20 years to his wife Nancy (Racine), and they have two children, Nicholas and Victoria. He has been employed by the Jan Companies for the last 17 years.

 Representative Melo is a member at several local organizations, Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood of Rhode Island; Portuguese American Police Association; East Providence Knights of Columbus; Amigos da Terceira; Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood Mariense, Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity-Rehoboth, MA; Knights of Columbus, East Providence Democratic City Committee and PALCUS. 

Representative Melo was appointed to the East Providence Public Library Board and served as Chairman from 1995-1998. Representative Melo first ran for political office in 1998. He was elected to the East Providence School Committee. He served on the School Committee for six years, two of which he served as Chairman. He was also part of the National School Board Association Young Caucus and served as National Vice President from 2000-2002. He was elected to the House of Representative on November 2, 2004. 

He served on House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, the
House Corporations Committee, House Labor Committee, the Permanent Education Foundation Aid Formula for Rhode Island. He is currently serving on House Finance and Chairman of the Portuguese-American Caucus of the Rhode Island for the House of Representatives.