Henry J. Mello

Henry John Mello (March 27, 1924 – September 4, 2004) was an American politician from California. Mello was a member of the California Senate known for the Community Facilities District Act, otherwise known as the Mello-Roos Act.

Early life
On March 27, 1924, Mello was born in Watsonville, California. Mello's father was a Portuguese immigrant. Mello attended Watsonville High School and Hartnell College in Salinas, California.

Career
In 1940, Mello and his father started a farming business. In 1948, Mello founded Mello Packing Company.

In 1966, Mello was elected to the Board of Supervisor for Santa Cruz County, California.

In 1976, Mello won the election and became a member of the California State Assembly for District 28. In 1980, Mello won the election and became a member of California State Senate for District 17.

Personal life
Mello's wife was Helen Annette (Burns) Mello. They had four sons, John Henry Mell, Stephen F. Mello, Michael Burns Mello and Timothy S. Mello.

On September 4, 2004, Mello died in Watsonville, California. He was 80 years old.

Legacy

 * Senator Henry J. Mello Highway.
 * 1990 Henry J. Mello Foundation.
 * Henry J. Mello Center, a concert performance hall in Watsonville, California.