Melinda Borrello Sharma

On the evening of Oct. 12, 2020, surrounded by her family, Melinda Borrello Sharma died at the age of 51.

Melinda was born in Dunkirk, N.Y. to the late Daniel Robert Borrello I (Mary Borrello-Dee), and Carol Ann (Chiappone) Borrello. She was a 1987 graduate of Fredonia High School before attending the University of Rochester. She went on to receive her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology also from the University of Rochester and co-authored over 20 scientific publications.

In June 1995, Melinda married Sanjay Sharma, M.D. with whom she had 3 children, Deven, Noah and Susannah. She and Sanjay celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this year.

While Melinda’s passion in life was always centered around her three children, she also was an advocate for families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She spent time helping parents of children from all over the world using her scientific and practical knowledge. Recently, in addition to homeschooling her youngest child, she volunteered to serve as Development Director at TRAK (Therapeutic Ranch for Animals & Kids) where she helped develop community partnerships with the goal of sustaining TRAK for future generations. She also loved to spend time with her two dogs and two horses.

Melinda’s father, grandfather N. Frank Chiappone, grandparents Pasquale and Minnie Borrello and uncles Anthony (Gloria), Vito, and Pat (Sue) preceded her in death.

In addition to her mother and stepmother, Melinda is survived by her grandmother Mildred Chiappone, uncles Richard (Eileen), Joseph, aunts Diane Battaglia and Jill Borrello, brothers Daniel, Joel (Kate), Ryan (Yari), and sister Stephanie (Matthew) Nevins, as well as many other loving cousins, nephews and nieces.

There was a private family viewing and due to current restrictions a small memorial celebration of life was held on Oct. 17, 2020.

There will also be a private celebration of Melinda’s life on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Silver Creek.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks the your make donations to TRAK at 3250 E Allen Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718 or www.traktucson.org/ melinda.html.