Carmelo Marco Mega

Carmelo Marco Mega, beloved husband, father, son and brother, passed away on December 27th, 2025, in Colleyville, Texas, USA, after a hard-fought battle with early onset Frontotemporal Dementia (Pick’s Disease). He was 59 years old. He is survived by his wife, Kim Elizabeth (Bailey) Mega; 3 sons, Matteo Mario Mega, Joshua Bailey Mega, and Eli Asher Mega; and 2 sisters Aida Mega and Lucia Mega.

Carmelo was born on January 6, 1966, in Bienne, Switzerland, to Mario Mega of Alezio, Italy, and Assunta Sarnataro of Naples, Italy. He attended school in French, speaking Italian at home. At the age of 10, he moved to Italy with his family when his parents returned to Gallipoli, to a house his father built for them — a home he kept and hoped to retire to one day. After graduating high school, he completed his mandatory year of military service in the Italian navy. His strong English skills led to his assignment to assist with liaison duties with the American military.

Carmelo dreamed of going to America, of studying criminology, and of having children who called him “Daddy”. He even appeared on Italian television—The Maurizio Costanzo Show—to declare his desire to go to America to the whole nation. He succeeded in achieving many of his dreams. He moved to California, became a US citizen, married, and had 3 children. He earned a degree in Criminal Justice and obtained a paralegal certification. After working in security and meeting many celebrities, he eventually pivoted to founding his own business in legal videography, combining his love of photography and justice. He set an example of determination and perseverance, never giving up on his dreams, regardless of what other people thought.

Above all, his wife, children, and parents meant everything to him. He strove to be the provider, the protector, and a hero to his children. He taught them to be respectful and kind, never to bully, to be assertive in protecting themselves and each other, to seek objective truth by understanding multiple viewpoints, and to be good Catholics.

Carmelo had compassion for anyone who suffered. He rooted for the underdog, was the first in line to sign the memory book at the UK Consulate for Princess Diana, supported children’s charities, and various church initiatives. Even in his final months, when able, he checked in on others in care who seemed worse off, making sure they were OK. He had a kind heart and was a protector and fighter to the very end.

Throughout his life, Carmelo never lost his great passion for Italy and for Gallipoli. He would share pictures and stories of life in Gallipoli to anyone and everyone who would listen. He was so proud to take us to Gallipoli, showing the kids the beach and all the highlights of his life’s history. A proud father, he was always anxious to show off his kids to his family and extol their virtues. He ensured his children attended an Italian-immersion school in California so they could learn the language and culture and deeply appreciate their heritage.

Carmelo loved Italian footfall (“Forza Azzurri!”), Inter-Milan, and Ferrari in Formula One and Vespas. The last time Italy won the World Cup, in 2006, he could not bear the tension of the final penalty kicks. He went into another room and asked me to watch and narrate, only coming out to watch replays after the successful kicks and the victory. I have never seen him so excited; I thought he was going to explode. While Carmelo didn’t make it to retirement in Gallipoli as he dreamed, his spirit is now free to visit whenever God allows, and he will be buried with his parents, as was his most fervent wish, at the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary in Gallipoli (Confraternita del Santissimo Rosario a Gallipoli).

Carmelo would tell you he was not perfect but that he always tried his best. Everything he did came from a place of love and a desire to help others be better and do better. He did not deserve to endure what he did, nor die so young — torn from his children, family, friends and dreams for the future. Released from this world, he is now restored whole, free from pain, suffering, and torment, in Paradise; held close and wrapped in love, reunited with his parents, and feeling the love rise up to him from all of us left behind.

Rest in peace, Carmelo. Until we meet again. Love you.