Melvin Karaffa

I am sorry to hear of Mel's passing. I was a coworker of his at the Assessor's office, and I remember his bright smile that could light up a room. Please accept my condolences on your loss.

Melvin "Mel" John Karaffa, 94 passed away peacefully on October 3, 2023. Melvin was born in Weirton, WV on May 26, 1929. He moved to San Diego for his last year of high school where he attended San Diego High School. Upon graduation from high school, Mel joined the U.S. Navy in 1946 (he was only 17). He served on a ship in the Panama Canal and received the Victory Medal to commemorate honorable, active federal service during World War II (official end date December 1946). He went on...

My dad and I shared a love of dance and he was my first dance partner. We used to go watch the bands at his assisted living and we'd dance together even though we were the only ones there. Dad continued to dance for as long as he could and when he couldn't, he'd clap his hands and his eyes would light up whenever he heard music. I will think of him every time I hear a Frank Sinatra song!