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Jeanne Dawson Gonzales informed me that Dave Mello passed away recently from a brain tumor due to agent orange. Dave served in Vietnam. He is survived by his wife, Judie. Dave grew up in Santa Venetia. His dad, Joe, worked at the Flying A gas station across from Santa Venetia Market. I met Dave at Santa Venetia Junior High School and we connected again in the later 1970's over fishing as my husband, John, and Dave enjoyed fishing together and talking about fishing. Dave was an avid fisherman throughout his life and also enjoyed gardening. Dave spent his working career at Safeway. He was a very friendly and happy guy and we always enjoyed talking about growing up in the Gallinas Valley when we saw each other in Novato where we both live. I haven't seen Dave and Judie in a very long time and was very saddened to hear of his passing from Jeanne. RIP old friend.
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Susannah Griffin (Perri)
I didn't know Dave, but am grateful for his service to our country. Blair, Jeanne, Judie and everyone whose life Dave touched, I am so sorry for your loss..
Phil Moser
There was a group of us that hung around with each other. Dave, Marv R. and myself took a trip durring our junior year to Reno to ski. I didn't know how to ski so I stayed on the lower slopes. Dave said "watch me, I know how" and off he went. A few moments later here comes Dave down the hill but not on his ski's. He is on his back with his leg behind him. Well it was off to the emegency room for a couple of hours. After that we decided to visit a local stable for some fun. Dave was a good person to be around. He always had a smile and made you feel good. Sorry the Agent Orange got him. I'm also dealing with it from Nam. Thank you for your service Dave, may I see you again.
William Browne
Dave and I were in band ( and often PE) together from elementary school thru high school! Then we worked together at several Safeway stores in Marin in the 70's ( He must have worked for Safeway for 30 plus years in produce).. He was also my roommates(Howard Olsen) fishing buddy. Dave was a kick to be around: friendly, sarcasticly funny and his name fit him to a 'T' Mello! He will be missed - please post if there will be a celebration !
Bill Browne
Ralph Parker
I met Dave Mello in Mr. Brighenti’s English class Junior year. When the radio stations began playing Donovan’s song Mello Yellow, I found myself singing along – changing the chorus to “they call him Davie Mello…quite rightly!” When I sang it for Dave he responded with his hearty jovial laugh. It wasn’t long before we heard others singing their own version of “they call him Davie Mello.”
By the end of Junior year Dave had become a part-time fifth member of our group, bonding with Marv, Lowell, Phil, and me. Together we pursued many of the rites of passage, creating lasting, cherished, and yes a few embarrassing memories. Dave loved playing the trombone as a member of the TL band, so he also palled around with the band crowd.
After graduation Dave went to College of Marin for a year, and then with the draft looming, joined the Army for three years, serving in Thailand. Dave went to work at Safeway after he got out, where he worked as produce manager for several years prior to his retirement.
In 1981 Dave married the love of his life, Judie, in a delightful garden ceremony that Carol and I attended. After several years in Petaluma they bought their home in Novato. With its spacious and sunny backyard, Dave had a place to build raised garden beds for vegetables and plant fruit trees. Each year Dave raised tomato plants from seed, enough for his garden and to share with his many friends.
Hiking and fishing were a big part of Dave’s life. A couple of times a year Dave and I would go hiking, with Dave always leading the way. We would discuss a wide range of topics from fishing to politics; Dave, always even tempered, often posed insightful questions. It was during one our hikes that Dave told me of his Parkinson’s diagnosis. As the years passed and the Parkinson’s progressed Dave’s courage was inspirational, always staying positive, explaining “it is what it is.”
For many years Dave would call me on my birthday. But this past December Dave did not call. Judie called to tell me that Dave was in a care facility. During one my visits with Dave, we had a video call with Marv who lived “of the grid” in central Montana, the three of us together once again…priceless! Dave passed a few weeks later.
Thanks Dave for many years of friendship, good times, and a song to always remember you by. RIP my great friend.