Veronica Jean Melchiori King

Our beloved mother and nonna, Veronica “Vicki” Melchiori King, passed away on February 28, 2026 after struggling for many years with chronic, debilitating illnesses. She was 80 years old, a milestone in which she took great pride. She was born Veronica Jean McCune on V-J Day, August 14, 1945, to Alfred W. (Mac) and Marie T. McCune in Santa Barbara. Alongside her sister, Beverly, she spent her youth growing up on Chapala Street and was educated at local schools, including Dolores, Garfield Elementary, La Cumbre Junior High, and Santa Barbara High School, where she was a Donnette, served on the school paper, and was a proud graduate of the Class of 1963. She briefly worked for the Santa Barbara News-Press following graduation. In 1964, Vicki married Ugo Melchiori, and together they built a vibrant life, home, and two businesses, while raising two children, son, Mark Melchiori, and daughter, Linda Melchiori Eisenberg. She was beyond devoted as a wife and mother and committed her life to both roles. She would later become Nonna to two beautiful granddaughters whom she loved, Isabella (Bella) Guilianna Melchiori, 30, and Katherine (Kate) Anne Eisenberg, 19. It was through our father that she acquired a deep love and affection for Italy and the Italian culture. She deeply cherished the Italian immigrant way of life and her lifelong Italian family and friends. She was a founding member and served on the board of the Italian-American Boot Club of Santa Barbara, an organization dedicated to celebrating Italian fellowship, culture, and cuisine. She was also instrumental in the founding of Madonna del Grappa of Santa Barbara. She devoted a considerable amount of her time and talents to both organizations, as well as to her children’s schools. Later in life she was fortunate to meet and marry John B. King, who was a devoted husband, partner, and caregiver. He was her rock, and we are eternally grateful for the love and steadfast commitment he showed her throughout their life together. There aren’t enough words to convey our deep love and respect for John, a man of immense loyalty, unwavering dedication, and uncommon devotion. With John, and their dogs, she found a beautiful life and some peace overlooking the valley in Solvang. Vicki was predeceased by her parents, her former in-laws, Giovanni and Annetta, stepsisters, Marilyn and Marsha, sisters-in-laws and their husbands, Marisa (John), Rosetta (Giulio), Olga (Norm), and brothers-in-law, Gino, Dale, and Denny. In addition to her husband, children, and granddaughters, she leaves behind her sister, Beverly McCune, sisters-in-law, Bruna Vendrasco and Loretta Archibek, nine nieces and nephews, son-in-law, Kent, and former daughter-in-law, Heather, as well as John’s devoted daughters, Teri (Vic) and Debbie (Bruno) and their families. Thank you, Teri and Debbie, for being there when we couldn’t. Always valuing attributes over achievements, our mother had a long list of them that would be tested. She showed strength in the face of pain and adversity, and courage when others would have faltered. She valued loyalty and honesty, and exhibited both. She stood by her convictions about people and things, and was not apt to change them. In her youth and as a young mother, she enjoyed spending days on the beach, and later in life at the nursery and in her yard. Before she was no longer able, she loved to cook and garden, and had extensive knowledge in both. We will miss her wisdom, keen assessments, and beautiful handwriting. Fount of knowledge, advisor, confidante, and truth teller, she was loved, respected, and deeply admired by her children and the feeling was mutual. The family would like to thank her caretakers, her extensive team of doctors, the staff at Cottage Hospital and Atterdag Village of Solvang, and all who assisted her and were her steadfast friends (many of whom are no longer with us). In honor of her life, our mother has requested that those supportive of her, John, and her children join her family at a service in celebration of her life to be held Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Old Mission Santa Barbara. Burial and reception immediately following. Her final resting place will be at Santa Barbara Cemetery, where she will be looking up through the windows at her parents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Poor Clares, Alpha Resource Center, or the Arthritis Foundation, all of Santa Barbara. Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels. Mom, you’re free, and we are certain you’re living among the most beautiful roses.

Veronica Jean Melchiori King

August 14, 1945 - February 28, 2026