Peter Edward Melendez

Peter Edward Melendez, passed away on January 13, 2026, at the age of 63. Today, we gather to honor our dad — a man who lived a life of service, passion, humor, and deep love for his family. Our dad spent his career in law enforcement because he genuinely cared about people and about his community. He believed in showing up, in doing what was right, and in protecting others. That sense of duty wasn’t just a job for him — it was who he was. He carried that commitment into every part of his life, always wanting to make a difference where he could.

Outside of work, our dad had passions that brought him joy and energy. He was an avid tennis player throughout his life — the court was a place where he felt focused, competitive, and fully himself. He also had a lifelong love for cars — drag racing, car shows, engines, speed, and the stories that came with them. If there was a car show nearby, you could almost guarantee he would be there, admiring every detail and striking up conversations with anyone who shared that same excitement.

And then there was his sense of humor. Our dad was known for his dad jokes — the kind that made you groan, shake your head, and laugh anyway. That humor was one of the ways he connected with people. It was his way of lightening the moment and reminding us that even in difficult times, laughter still had a place.

Our dad also lived with a lifelong struggle with mental health. That is part of his story — but it is not the whole story. He fought quietly and carried more than many of us ever knew. Today, we honor his strength, his effort, and his humanity, without judgment and without needing all the answers.

Above all else, our dad was a father.

He had three daughters, and we were his whole world. Everything he did — every worry he carried, every hope he held — was rooted in his love for us. That love showed up in his protectiveness, his pride, his guidance, and in the countless small moments that will stay with us forever. To us, he wasn’t just a law enforcement officer, a tennis player, or a car enthusiast. He was Dad — and that was the role he cherished most.

There is one more relationship that shaped our dad deeply: his father. Our grandpa was my dad’s hero. He admired him, looked up to him, and carried his influence with him throughout his life. Our grandpa was a two-time National Golden Gloves boxing champion — strong, disciplined, and determined — and those qualities left a lasting imprint on my dad.

Today, it brings us comfort to know that we are able to honor our dad by laying him to rest next to his hero. There is something deeply meaningful in knowing they will be together again, reunited in peace.

As we say goodbye, we lean on faith and on words that bring comfort in moments like this:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

— Psalm 34:18

Today, we remember a man who served, who loved deeply, who struggled bravely, and who mattered greatly. Dad, you are loved beyond words. You will always be part of us, and you will never be forgotten.

Public Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.