In Loving Memory of Melissa Hope Whitley Pezzolesi, November 3, 2026

Mark 5:34 - "And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."

Melissa Hope Whitley Pezzolesi, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away November 3, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 49 after a two-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

She is survived by her husband of 24 years Marcus Pezzolesi; her two sons Quentin and Avery Pezzolesi; her sister Maranda Giguere; and her parents Vickie and William ‘Chris’ Whitley. She leaves behind a family who cherished her and each of them will miss her deeply.

Born on December 28, 1976, in Georgia, Melissa spent much of her childhood in Maine and continued to love the state throughout her life, going back to Ogunquit every year. She was happiest with family next to her, a lobster dinner in front of her, and the ocean nearby.

Melissa took enormous joy in being a wife and mother. She and Marcus were true partners. They worked side by side at the University of Utah, traveled the world together, including Italy, their favorite destination, and loved sharing a good bottle of wine. Above all, they cherished being parents to their sons Quentin and Avery.

Quentin and Avery were the joy of Melissa’s life. From the time they were little, Melissa spent as much time with her boys as possible, continually seeking to make life fun, from creating epic “Survivor-style” competitions at Thanksgiving, attending Boston Red Sox, and more recently Utah Mammoth games, and baking Italian cookies at Christmas. She took great pride in her sons’ accomplishments as students and athletes, and even more in their kindness and character.

A viewing and services in celebration of Melissa’s life will be held Thursday, November 12th from 6pm – 8pm. at Larkin Mortuary, located at 260 E South Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to The ALS Association, whose mission is to make ALS livable and cure it.

Though Melissa has departed this life, her connection to those she loved remains.

A viewing will be held on November 12, 2026 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Larkin Mortuary located at 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84111