Lucia Melito, Ph.D., passed away on March 25, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. She was 73.

Born in New Jersey, Lucia had a strong sense of identity in her Italian American heritage—a source of connection, humor, and pride throughout her life. A dedicated clinical psychologist, she brought warmth, empathy, intelligence, and compassion to every interaction, truly caring for the people she worked with.

Lucia died of cardiac arrest while hospitalized due to complications from Systemic Mastocytosis with MDS—an extremely rare and challenging diagnosis she faced with courage and heartfelt appreciation for those who cared for and loved her.

From 2018 to 2025, she served as Program Director of the Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (APP) program at the New Center for Psychoanalysis (NCP), following many years of involvement as an APP instructor and Clinic Administrator. Her energetic dedication and constant flow of ideas left a lasting impression on the program, its students, and faculty. She was a respected leader and a valued mentor.

Lucia was known not only for her professional excellence, but for her vibrant personality—loving, loyal, funny, creative, and insightful. She loved books, art, music, long conversations, British crime shows, clothes shopping, and traveling—especially to Europe, where she felt a special connection to Italy.

She is survived by her husband, Hal, who deeply loved her and with whom she shared a life full of laughter, closeness, and true connection. She is also remembered with love by her extended family back East, her close friends, colleagues, and patients—so many of whom felt the steadiness of her presence and the depth of her care.

Lucia’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.

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