Don V. Mello; Battalion Chief
Don V. Mello, a Los Angeles City Fire Department battalion chief, has died at a Tarzana hospital. He was 53.
Mello, a resident of Agoura, died Tuesday of a heart attack, said Battalion Chief David Badgett, community liaison officer for the department.
Born in Wilmington, Mello joined the city Fire Department in 1959 and became a battalion chief in 1979. Since 1986, he had been assigned to Battalion 17, headquartered at Fire Station 72 in Canoga Park. Mello enjoyed traveling and served as an umpire for adult baseball games.
He is survived by his wife, Fran Mello; sons Anthony Mello, Arnold Mello, Brett Mello and Craig Mello; and one sister.
Funeral services are pending. Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Mortuary in Westlake Village is handling the arrangements.
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