Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 30: Benette Clarence Julian D’Mello, a well-known community leader, social worker and cultural patron based in Abu Dhabi, passed away on Monday, December 30, following a brief illness. He was 65. He breathed his last at SCS Hospital, Mangaluru.

A highly respected figure among the Konkani diaspora in the UAE, D’Mello was closely associated with several prominent community organisations. He served as the former president of the Konkani Cultural Organisation (KCO), which recently completed 30 years of service, and was also the president of Emirates Paradela, one of the leading Konkani associations in the UAE.

Professionally, D’Mello worked as an administrator at the Indian School, Abu Dhabi, for over three decades, earning admiration for his dedication, discipline and commitment to the institution.

Apart from his administrative and leadership roles, he was widely known for his passion for Konkani culture. A talented dancer and cultural enthusiast, he won several prizes in various competitions and was a source of encouragement and support for many Konkani cultural organisations in the UAE as well as in Mangaluru.

Benette Clarence Julian D’Mello is survived by his wife, Predita. His demise has left the Konkani community mourning the loss of a committed leader, cultural torchbearer and noble human being.

Mortal remains will be kept for public viewing on Thursday, January 1, 2026 in St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai, Mangaluru at 4:15 pm,  followed by Mass at 5 pm.