September 9, 1975 ~ June 19, 2014
Resided in:
San Pedro, CA
Dr. Christopher J. Mello, a 14 year resident of Los Angeles and Director of the Guitar Program at El Camino College, passed away at the age of 38 on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at his home in San Pedro, CA.
Born in Somerset, MA, Dr. Mello was a highly accomplished jazz musician with degrees from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell; the University of North Texas; and a Doctoral Degree from USC.
As an active performer in the L.A. music scene, Dr. Mello performed/recorded with: Idina Menzel, Ernie Watts, Norah Jones, Vanessa Williams, the Dixie Chicks, Cafe Tacuba, Justo Almario, Jeff Kashiwa, Paul Schaeffer, Kenny Wheeler, Giovanni Hidalgo, Dan Higgins, Katia Moraes, Bill Cunlife, Bobby Shew, the Banda Brothers, Shelly Berg, and a host of others. Additionally, Dr. Mello recorded music for Vh-1, Taco Bell, Verizon Wireless, Latin Grammy Awards, Touchstone Pictures, Greenlight Studios, and Disney.
Though primarily a player of nylon and electric guitars, Dr. Mello also had a unique knowledge and affinity for Latin string instruments such as Cuban Tres, Cavaquinho, Tiple, Charango, and a host of others.
In his leisure time, Dr. Mello was an ardent follower of the New Jersey Devils hockey team. Other favorite pursuits included trying new hiking spots, a never-ending quest for the very best Italian food, watching anything about the U.S. Presidents, and studying the history of naval warfare.
Dr. Mello is survived by his father, Louis Mello of Somerset, MA; sister, Lynn Mello of Smithfield, RI; and girlfriend, Pam Maclean. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Mello.
The Service will be held at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in San Pedro, CA on Friday June 27, 2014 at 10:30am. Internment will take place at Notre Dame Cemetery in Fall River, MA.
Guestbook
Our deepest sympathies sending love to the family.
So sorry to hear of his passing. A good friend of mine and I took his guitar class at Cerritos collage and enjoyed his class very much. My friend and I were the elders of the class. We saw him perform several times and he always had time to talk to us during his break or after the performance. Losing a man with this kind of talent at such a young age us heartbreaking. Condolences to his family on their loss
So sorry to hear of his passing. A good friend of mine and I took his guitar class at Cerritos collage and enjoyed his class very much. My friend and I were the elders of the class. We saw him perform several times and he always had time to talk to us during his break or after the performance. Losing a man with this kind of talent at such a young age us heartbreaking. Condolences to his family on their loss
I’m so sorry. I really enjoyed Professor Mello’s class. He was extremely talented and he internalized all the music he played. Wow. What a loss.
I’m so sorry. I really enjoyed Professor Mello’s class. He was extremely talented and he internalized all the music he played. Wow. What a loss.
I went to UMass with Chris and was his best friend for many years. I regret losing touch with him after we graduated. I finally decided to connect with my old friend after all these years and I got this news. I am deeply saddened by this and I have to carry the regret of not keeping in touch with him. He was an excellent person and a true friend. Although it has been ~17 years or so since I last saw him, the pain is there. I will miss you old friend.
I am saddened to learn of Dr. Mello’ s passing. He was thoroughly knowledgeable and a great joy to talk with and learn from. He was my music instructor at El Camino College where my love and passion of guitar surpassed my wildest dreams…..Thanks Dr. Mello you are surely missed.