Louis Mellini Obituary

Mellini
Louis Mario Mellini
February 12, 1941
June 5, 2023

Louis (Lou) Mario Mellini, Jr, age 82, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on June 5, 2023 after a short battle with cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, love, and laughter.
Lou was born on February 12, 1941 to Louis Sr and Mary (Marotta) Mellini in Brooklyn, NY and spent his childhood there. After graduating from Lafayette High School and The City College of New York, he went on to a successful sales and marketing career with Mattel Toy Company's Canadian Division based in Toronto, and with Sony Records in New York, NY.
An impromptu stopover in Colorado Springs in 1978 resulted in a decision to stay, where he cultivated his lifelong love of the city and region for the next 45 years. Lou was a dynamic, influential presence in the community and found many ways to give back to the city he loved, including serving as: Chairman, Colorado Springs Community Improvement Program, 1997-2000; Co-Chairman of the Japan American Summit with CS sister city Fujiyoshida, 1996; Chairman, Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, two-terms; Chairman, Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, two-terms; Chairman/Board of Directors, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, 2007- 2023; Board of Directors, Colorado Springs World Arena, 1992-2023; Board of Directors, Colorado Springs Police Foundation, 2014- 2022.
In recognition of his services, he was honored to receive the Fort Carson Good Neighbor Award (2006), The United States Department of the Army, Commander's Award for Public Service, Fort Carson (2011), The Colorado Broadcaster's Association Harry Hoth Public Service Award (2006) and The Colorado Springs Chamber Business Citizen of the Year Award (1998) among other accolades. He was particularly proud of his opportunity to carry the Olympic Torch through the streets of Colorado Springs for the 1996 Olympic Games.
As an Honorary Member of the 1st Brigade, 4th ID, Fort Carson from 2007-2021, Lou traveled to Afghanistan to visit the troops on behalf of Colonel Jeff Martindale, Brigade Commander in 2010. His adventures there and the bonds he made with the service men and women and people of Afghanistan provided incredible stories and made a lasting imprint on his life.
Lou began his career in radio in 1980, as Sales Manager for KILO 94.3. In 1986, he was promoted to VP of Bahakel Communication's national radio division, managing 14 radio stations with an annual budget of $36 million. In 1989, he left to become President and CEO of BRN (Broadcast Radio Network) which was a precursor to satellite radio models and was profiled in the 1990 issue of Forbes Magazine. He returned to KILO in 1992 as Vice President and General Manager. In June of 1999, he launched 103.9 KRXP, an Alternative station. Lou oversaw the two stations for 35 years and was the rare personality who could bridge the station's creative talent and the changing business needs. He delighted in being a mentor to all who asked and his resounding phrase was "motivate, educate, delegate."
Lou will be remembered for his family recipe red sauce, turkey meatballs and eggplant parmesan. His grandchildren will cherish their memories of "noseys" and Papa Lou bear hugs. Lou was always there to provide a delicious Italian meal, amusingly autocorrected text messages, and a booming laugh to comfort friends and neighbors whenever they were in need. He loved to plant petunias in his garden every spring, feed the birds every morning, lift weights suitable for a man half his age, tell everyone about how Sandy Koufax went to his Brooklyn high school and send text messages full of emoji. Lou's family, friends and community will greatly miss his positive energy, dynamism and ability to light up the room.
Lou is survived by his loving wife, Laura Muir Mellini, his son Julian (Kaitlyn) Mellini, stepson Nick (Naomi) Lane; grandchildren Zoe Mellini and Harrison, Annika and Gabrielle Lane; and a close-knit network of friends and neighbors.
For information about the Celebration of Life, please email: [email protected]
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation in Lou's memory to Mount Carmel Veteran's Service Center.