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Thomas Joseph Mellon, Jr Obituary
Thomas Joseph Mellon Jr, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away August 22, 2024 at age 81 after a brief illness related to melanoma.
Tom was a native of San Francisco. He was born on January 25th, 1943, to Thomas Mellon Sr. and Cula Mellon. Tom had an older sister, Eileen and a younger brother, Mike. He grew up in Marin County where he attended Marin Catholic High School. Tom attended the University of San Francisco and then New York University Law School as a Root-Tilden scholar where he earned his JD in 1967.
While in law school, Tom met the love of his life, Mary Hertl. Tom’s mother and Mary’s sister worked together at Catholic Charities and arranged the match. Tom and Mary married in 1967. Tom and Mary lived their lives together as dedicated Catholics through their love of community and the dedication of their time. They spent one year in VISTA doing volunteer work in Charlotte, NC, where their first daughter Deirdre was born. Next they moved to Merced, CA where Tom worked with Legal Aid and their second daughter Brigid was born. Tom then returned to San Francisco with his young family. After that, he was a law clerk for the Honorable Albert Wollenberg of the U.S. District Court. He successfully practiced law until 1994 when he became a Superior Court judge. He was a judge for 15 years until he retired in 2008.
Tom loved family above all else. He enjoyed learning, hiking, nature, cooking, the San Francisco Symphony and travel. He was a fabulous chef. He loved to cook and anyone who was invited over knew they were in for a wonderful meal. He took his role in the kitchen seriously because he understood the importance of bringing people together to share a meal.
Tom’s dedication and support of his grandchildren was boundless. Philanthropy was an important part of his life and he served on many boards over the years. Faith was central to his life and he was a proud member of the Saint Ignatius community. Tom’s philosophy of life was encapsulated by the 4 F’s: Faith, Family, Friendship and Food.
Tom is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Deirdre (Lorenzo) and Brigid, grandchildren Aidan and Pilar.
Funeral services will be October 5th, at 11am at St. Ignatius Parish Church at the University of San Francisco campus.
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Melodie Yoell (Behm)
Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I was a classmate of Tom's from the fourth grade through Marin Catholic High School. Tom was one of the bright ones. I recall when we had to report on current events he was front and center, no notes, and relishing giving his report in his very commanding voice that had us all sitting up straight and listening.
I also recall as High School Sopore being chauffeured to a dance by his father. His father was a very imposing presence and i was very impressed.
Tom developed into an equally impressive man and always had a twinkle in his eye when carrying on interesting conversations.
Caring thoughts to Mary and family. Rest in peace classmate.
Melodie Behm