Richard Erik Mellett

Born during the Eisenhower administration, the last of three sons to Thomas and Helen Mellett, Rick’s entry into the world reflected the optimism of the times. His father, a clinical psychologist and World War 2 veteran, his mother a loving, smart homemaker who developed her own career in her later life, were life-long residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Rick displayed his awesome intellect early, dazzling his brothers with his ability to spell “Czechoslovakia” by the 1st grade. The brothers played, laughed, fought, got into mischief together, and generally tested the patience of their loving parents.

High school wasn’t always easy for Rick, but he went to his senior prom and did well enough to be admitted to the University of Pittsburgh, where he majored in history.

It was in college that Rick blossomed and became his own person. Academically and socially, he flourished. With his closest friends he formed two punk bands, the “Whereabouts” and “96 Tears”. He played the electric bass. It was always fun, and they had many paying gigs at famous (notorious) venues such as the Electric Banana.

Rick liked extremes, and when he graduated what would be a perfect transition from punk rock? Accounting, of course. He took this turn into adulthood seriously. He studied hard and received a Master of Science in taxation from Robert Morris College. He married Ellen Broderick, whom he met while still in the band. They bought a house in Pittsburgh, and eventually moved to Los Angeles. They divorced a few years later.

While in Los Angeles he eventually settled into a successful career with GTBA, where he was director of taxation. His colleagues recognized his brilliance, and he was a professional mentor to many. His influence on his colleagues and his contributions to the firm cannot be overstated.

Like all of us, Rick had his struggles. He overcame his addiction to alcohol and recognized this would not have been possible without the help of his friends at Alcoholics Anonymous. His passions included cycling, swimming, and running. He ran a marathon, and a half Iron Man. Politics, current affairs and economics were of keen interest, too.

Rick was quick to laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor. As an accountant he was smart, ethical and the ultimate professional. He was a caring brother and uncle. His parents died while he was freshman in college, but they would have been proud of the man he became. He was a loyal friend. He helped many people. And he was loved.