1943 – 2026

Mel M Pinney of San Diego, devoted husband, father and grandfather died on March 5, 2026 at the age of 82 with his family at his side.

Mel was born to Arnold and Irene Pinney and grew up in Denver, Colorado. He ran track for the University of Colorado, Boulder, graduating in 1965 with majors in Physics and Mathematics. He was hired by Boeing upon graduation, moving to Seattle to be trained by the firm in computer programming. Mel subsequently worked in Pasadena at JPL before moving to San Diego to join Computer Sciences Corporation in 1974.

In 1976, Mel met his wife, Marlese Hartoch, at the San Diego Tall Club. They married in 1979 and together raised two daughters, Alaina and Alexa. Mel and Marlese enjoyed a lifetime of adventures and travel. Mel was a thrill seeker, an avid long-distance runner and a passionate bicycle rider, once riding from Missoula, Montana to Denver in 1976. (Noting he crossed the Continental Divide three times.) He bungee jumped out of a hot air balloon on his 50th birthday and, again 15 years later, off bridges in New Zealand. He ziplined in the Amazon forest, walked on the Great Wall of China, skydived in California, and loved any chance to ride roller coasters or whitewater rapids. Mel and Marlese once fully circumnavigated the world, flying East to Istanbul, Turkey then by motor coach across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and into Western China, finally flying across the Pacific Ocean back to California.

When not traveling Mel was an avid reader and lifelong learner. He was involved with numerous charitable organizations, tutored young students in math, and believed the government should be smaller, while socially more liberal.

Mel is survived by his wife Marlese, daughters Alaina Ladner (Matt) and Alexa, and his granddaughters Nico and Willa. Also surviving are his sister Theresa Speak and numerous nieces and nephews. Mel’s memory will forever be treasured by his beloved family. A celebration of life will be held at a date to be announced. His family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Alzheimer’s San Diego.  

https://alzsandiego.app.neoncrm.com/campaign.jsp?campaign=110&fundraiser=370635&

Please make checks payable to Alzheimer's San Diego and mail to 3635 Ruffin Rd Suite 300 San Diego, CA 92123