Melo was born on 25 January 1915 in the salitrera office of Savona, Antofagasta Region, the son of Domingo Melo Henríquez and Rosa Elena Páez. He married Elisa Sepúlveda and was the father of three children: Rosa Elisa, Tania Verónica and Galvarino Iván.
He studied at several international schools in the north of Chile, and took turning courses, practicing this trade in the Humberstone salitrera offices between 1927 and 1931, and later in Chacabuco and Bella Vista in 1937.
He began his political activity through labor and sports organizations, first as a sports leader in football and cycling clubs, later serving as treasurer of the “Cemento Melón” union in La Calera.
He joined the Communist Party of Chile, being elected regidor in 1941 and re-elected in 1944 and 1947. In parallel, he was appointed secretary of the Federación Minera in 1946.
Melo became one of the most remembered communist leaders in the Coal Zone. He arrived there during the repression of 1947, a consequence of the so-called “Ley Maldita” promoted by president Gabriel González Videla. As secretary of the Federación Minera de Chile, he worked hand in hand with union leaders to improve the working and living conditions of miners. He actively supported them during the 96-day strike of 1960, organizing among other measures the relocation of miners’ children to other cities.
In the 1961 elections, he was elected deputy for the 17th Departmental District of Concepción, Tomé, Talcahuano, Yumbel and Coronel, for the 1961–1965 term. He was re-elected in 1965 for the 1965–1969 term. He served on the Permanent Commissions on Medical-Social Assistance and Hygiene, and on Mining and Industry.
On 23 November 1970, president Salvador Allende appointed him director of the Servicio de Seguro Social, institution whose functions today are assumed by the Instituto de Previsión Social.[1]
Melo died in Santiago on 8 February 2007. His speeches remained remembered in the Coal Zone, including one delivered in Lota in 1988.[2]