Rolando D. "Dito" Melvin - A member of our family has passed

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Rolando D. Melvin "Dito" Share E-mail Visit Guest Book
MELVIN Rolando D. "Dito" Melvin, 28, of Grove City, OH, passed away on December 2, 2009. Arrangements entrusted to NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME SW CHAPEL, 3393 Broadway, Grove City. COMPLETE OBITUARY at a later date. Messages for the family may be left at http://www.NewcomerColumbus.com.

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Rolando Melvin
1981 - 2009


Visitation:
Thursday, December 10, 2009 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Newcomer Funeral Home & Crematory - SW Chapel
3393 Broadway
Grove City, OH 43123 (614) 539-6166
Directions & Map

Service:
Friday, December 11, 2009 11:00 AM
Peace Lutheran Church, 455 Clark State Road Gahanna, Ohio

Interment:
Jackson Township Cemetery

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Rolando Melvin "Dito" Share E-mail Visit Guest Book
MELVIN Rolando "Dito" Melvin, 28, of Grove City, passed December 2, 2009, following cardiac arrest at home. The son of Ron, Cleo and Cheri Melvin was born September 1, 1981 in Wichita KS, afflicted with a rare blood disease. This disease led to a lifetime of medical crises, multiple surgeries, kidney transplant and long periods of hospitalization. In spite of these burdens, Dito was blessed with a singing talent that brought joy to his family and literally thousands. The first outlet was as a member of the Maryland State Boy Choir while in elementary years. Active in all musical programs at every level of his school years, he was honored to be selected to the Columbus Youth Chorale, the All-Ohio Youth Choir and the OSU Men's Glee Club, as well as music programs in his schools and at OSU. In addition, he served proudly in the music programs at every church we attended. He joined seven good buddies in the High Street Singers and made several recordings with them. Dito especially enjoyed being a member of the Praise Band at Peace Lutheran Church, Gahanna OH, the past 5 years. He graduated from Logan Elm High School and the OSU School of Music. His valiant efforts to maintain a normal life have served as an inspiration to many throughout the world. Dito is survived by his grandparents and parents, Ron and Cleo Melvin of Grove City; his birth mother, Cheri Melvin of Elkins WV; sister, Beverly Crawford of Circleville; and brother, Butch (Sharon) Lutz of WV; many cousins and countless friends of all ages. Visitation will be Thursday December 10, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 3393 Broadway, Grove City. Funeral services will be Friday, December 11, at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 455 Clark State Rd, Gahanna OH. Interment immediately following the funeral in Jackson Township Cemetery near Circleville OH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contributions to the All-Ohio Youth Choir (AOYC), 395 Cambridge St., Coshocton, OH 43812 or the Peace Lutheran Church/Music Program, 455 Clark State Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230 or the Ronald McDonald House, 711 East Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43205. Messages for the family may be left at www.NewcomerColumbus.com

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A message from Dito's Dad:

We've made it through the first week since Dito's funeral. It has not been easy, but we have been well-fortified with the kindness and loving devotion of so many of Dito's fellow singers: from the AOYC/Cardinal Chorale, the High Street A Capella Octet, the choirs of King Ave United Methodist Church, the choirs and soloists of Peace Lutheran Church, the Peace Praise Team, organists, and especially the groups' leaders. All these great voices and the compassionate messages - sprinkled with laughter - of the pastors combined to present the celebration of all celebrations! This could not have been accomplished without the personal sacrifices of so many and the extraordinary efforts of the directors to draw you together: Chuck Snyder, Chris McManus, Josh Steele and the Peace Director of Music Ministries: Michael Lester,

Chuck has provided a list of AOYC singers; we had no idea so many of you made the selfless sacrifice of your precious time - at this busiest of all seasons for musicians. Have no idea of who and how many were in the combined church choirs, but the combination made a joyful sound. Tears of joy and sadness clouded our vision. And we were deeply moved by High Street leaving open Dito's space. Thanks also to his NIH music therapist who produced the 2003 CD with Somebody's Prayin'. What a tribute from all of you!!

We have been comforted by a blanket of friendship throughout this trial. Dito was rushed by emergency squad to the hospital about 1:30 pm Sunday, November 29. By 5:30 pm, the ICU waiting room was already filling with musicians. Some were there as we left his bed each evening and were waiting to support us when we arrived in the mornings. Many were nearby at 1:05 pm on December 2 when he passed on to glory. And stayed with us for the next hour or so, recalling the many happy times in his all-too-short life.

Your patience in putting your lives on hold while we worked on funeral arrangements touched us deeply. The scientists at the National Institutes of Health had asked for permission to examine his remains in their facility in Bethesda Md ,so that others with his condition might benefit from this research. The doctors say, "He's our #1 guy" in their ongoing research for prevention and cure of this terrible disease.

Again, Cleo, Dito's mom Cheri, and I so very much appreciate the many years of friendship and all the love and encouragement you gave him and for helping us to celebrate a life well-lived - a good and faithful servant in the faith. Stay close to us in the days ahead; we'll need you.

May God bless each and every one of you.

With much love,

Dito's Family