Who was Brandon Melara?

A Brief History

Brandon Scott Melara (Brando) was born on July 31, 1993 at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek, CA to Mel and Kathy Melara on a very hot summers day.  Brandon spent his first 10 years of his life growing up in San Ramon, California.

Brandon spend his last 12 years of his life living in Danville, California and attending San Ramon Valley High School before going off to college at LMU and CU Boulder where he graduated with a Communications Degree.  

Brandon received many awards and accolades throughout his life: 3rd place Bridges Golf Tournament - age 8, Presidential Academic Award - Iron Horse Middle School.  At San Ramon Valley high school he received the NCS Scholar Athlete award, All EBAL High School Team soccer, All East Bay High School Team soccer, Team Captain multiple years and voted the most skilled player. Brandon graduated with high honors in 2011 from San Ramon Valley High School and received an Academic Scholarship to LMU.  Despite the many awards Brandon received, these accolades did not define him.  Brandon is best defined by his belief in God and his incredibly big heart.  Brandon's gift was his ability to connect with so many people, on so many levels, both young and old.  Brandon forged many friendships with so many people over his short 22 3/4 years.  

Brando was a charismatic and dynamic young man that was loved by so many.  While away in Colorado on May 5, 2016, at the age of 22, Brandon tragically and unexpectedly past away in his sleep, leaving friends and family heart broken.

Brandon is pictured here (center) with his family on vacation in San Diego, CA in 2013.  

Brandon had such a kind soul and loved children, and he often connected with them.  In his honor and loving memory, Brandon's family have created the BrandonMelaraMemorialFund to benefit children's charities around the world.  You can donate to Brandon's memorial fund on The Fund section of this site.