Veronica Jean Melchiori King

Veronica "Vicki" Melchiori King, beloved mother and nonna, passed away on February 28, 2026, at the age of 80 after many years of struggling with chronic, debilitating illnesses. Born Veronica Jean McCune on V-J Day, August 14, 1945, in Santa Barbara to Alfred W. (Mac) and Marie T. McCune, she grew up on Chapala Street with her sister Beverly. She attended 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 graduated with the Class of 1963. After graduation she briefly worked for the Santa Barbara News-Press.

In 1964 Vicki married Ugo Melchiori. Together they built a home, raised two children, Mark Melchiori and Linda Melchiori Eisenberg, and operated two businesses. She was deeply devoted to her roles as wife and mother. She later became Nonna to her cherished granddaughters, Isabella (Bella) Guilianna Melchiori and Katherine (Kate) Anne Eisenberg. Through her first husband she developed a profound love for Italy, its culture, and the Italian immigrant way of life. A founding member and board member of the Italian-American Boot Club of Santa Barbara, she also played a key role in establishing Madonna del Grappa of Santa Barbara and gave generously of her time and talents to both organizations and to her children’s schools.

Later in life Vicki was fortunate to meet and marry John B. King, who became her devoted husband, partner, and steadfast caregiver. Together with their dogs they shared a peaceful life overlooking the valley in Solvang. She faced her later years with remarkable strength and courage, remaining true to her values of loyalty, honesty, and conviction. She loved the beach in her youth, and in later years found joy in her garden and in cooking, possessing extensive knowledge of both.

Vicki was predeceased by her parents, her former in-laws Giovanni and Annetta Melchiori, stepsisters Marilyn and Marsha, and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. She is survived by her husband John, her children Mark and Linda, her granddaughters Bella and Kate, her sister Beverly McCune, sisters-in-law Bruna Vendrasco and Loretta Archibek, nine nieces and nephews, son-in-law Kent, former daughter-in-law Heather, and John’s daughters Teri and Debbie and their families. She will be remembered as a fount of knowledge, advisor, confidante, and truth teller whose wisdom, keen insight, and beautiful handwriting left a lasting impression on those who loved her.