Richard Alan Melli

Richard Alan Melli was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, on February 19, 1963, and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on September 15, 2022, at 59 years of age.

Rich went to Ramapo College in New Jersey where he earned his BA in Communications, and then moved to California in 1987 where he earned his MA in Communications at California State University, Fullerton.

Rich began his career in communications working as VP of Operations for Avant-Garde Communications in Orange County, CA. He later made a career change and served as Assistant Director at the Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled in Anaheim, CA. He had a passion for equipping people with disabilities with the tools and resources to live a life of dignity, self-determination and independence.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990. In 1996, former Governor Pete Wilson appointed and commissioned Rich to serve on the CA State Rehabilitation Advisory Council. Rich traveled throughout California to train businesses and employers on the new laws and standards for accessibility and accommodations. He also worked with civil engineering firms and businesses to comply with the newly passed ADA guidelines. This important work paved the way for Americans with disabilities to join the workforce, contribute to society and access the same freedoms and privileges as all Americans.

In his personal life, he married Becki, the love of his life, in 1996. They had a beautiful marriage for 26 years and created a happy life in Laguna Hills.

In 1998, Rich and Becki were featured on the Emmy Nominated national TV Special entitled Christopher Reeve: A Celebration of Hope. The program celebrated them as a married couple and successful professionals living with spinal cord injuries.

Rich loved watching the Eagles and Phillies play and spending time with friends and family. He loved the Lord and demonstrated a deepening faith over the last few years. Rich never complained and had a smile that could light up any room. He was grateful daily and inspired others to live with joy.

Rich is survived by his loving wife Becki of 26 years, parents Gilbert and Martha Melli, Bridgeton NJ; sister Dr. Mary (Dan) Altemose, Harrisburg, PA; brother David Melli, Bridgeton, NJ; niece and goddaughter, Michelle McCormick Riley (Davin), Los Angeles, CA.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held October 8, 2022, at 11:00am at Compass Bible Church in Aliso Viejo, CA 92656.

In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Thank you.