The Hon. David A. Melesco (Ret.)

Judge David Melesco passed away on September 26, 2023, and whatever comes next in the world he left behind will never, ever be quite as good or funny or magnificent or entertaining. As a father Dave was wise and patient and beloved by his children, whom he adored. As a husband, he was at the happy center of a remarkable marriage, and he flat-out loved his wife Ceceilia with his full heart. As a friend, he was the guy his pals wanted beside them, whether it was in a back-alley brawl or offering a generous hand when troubles hit—no one was more steadfast and reliable than “Big Dave.” In the courtroom, he was unique, a giant in every sense of the word—quick, witty, smart as could be, and always fair and thoughtful. He was equal parts Solomon, Shakespeare and savant, a man who never failed to deliver the truth—occasionally with a dose of his own sly humor—no matter who needed to hear it. He had a

joyous laugh that just slowly unspooled. He delighted in discovering new music, new books, new people. He was a cut-up. He held fast to his principles, no matter what. He had a soft spot for dogs, even the unruly ones. And in the end, he left quite a mark: People believed in him, counted on him, and listened to what he had to say, and we’re all better for it.

David A. Melesco was born on October 29, 1946, in Oakland, California. He graduated from San Lorenzo High School in 1963 and attended Weber State University, where he played football, and played it pretty darn well. He graduated from George Washington University in 1967 and earned his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1970. He practiced law in Rocky Mount for twenty-five years, then served as a juvenile and domestic relations judge for eleven years until his appointment to the circuit court bench for the Twenty-second Judicial District. He retired from the circuit court bench in 2012.

Dave was committed to his community and to Virginia. He served on the Franklin County Board of Supervisors and coached any number of youth soccer and basketball teams. He also volunteered his time and efforts to help prevent domestic violence, serving for six years on a statewide committee. He was a trusted member of the state bar’s disciplinary board. He served on the Board of Visitors at James Madison University and served two terms on the University of Virginia Athletic Board. He was a dedicated member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

He was predeceased by this father, Peter Melesco, his mother, Jean Kuchler, his stepfather, Herman Kuchler, two brothers John Kuchler and Michael Melesco, and a sister, Patricia Melesco. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, his sweetheart, Ceceilia “Cece” Melesco, and five children: Son, Todd Melesco of Roanoke, Virginia and Brenn Linens; daughter Cameron Hutto and husband Ben of Roanoke, Virginia; son Clark Turner and wife Karen of Arlington, Virginia; daughter Alex Crosby and husband Davis of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; and son John Melesco and Adrienne Ross of Roanoke, Virginia. Dave had five grandchildren; Myles Melesco, William and Eleanor Turner, Susie Hutto and an expecting grandson. 

Family visitation will be held at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home (Route 220) on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00p.m. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Rocky Mount on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please donate to:  

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children: https://virginiacasa.org/donate/    

Or 

Franklin County Humane Society (Planned Pet hood): Donate | plannedpethood (plannedpethoodrockymount.com)

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.  www.connerbowman.com