Christopher J. Mello

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.