David Ernest Melendez

David Ernest Melendez was born July 3, 1949 to William and Vivian Melendez in Riverside, CA. He attended Fremont Elementary School, University Heights Junior High, John W. North High School, Riverside City College, and graduated from CSU San Bernardino with a dual degree in Business and Social Sciences. Dave enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves (USAFR) in 1970 and served his country as a Loadmaster at Norton Air Force Base, San Bernardino, CA through 1976. He was a valued employee of Southern California Gas company for 6 years while in the USAFR, and then entered into the insurance business as an agent for New York Life. Dave expanded his life insurance business into the Property & Casualty field and established Melendez Insurance Agency a few years later, adding Real Estate services in 2006. Dave married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Baca, in 1970 and celebrated 54 years of marriage on September 5 of this year. Father to two sons, Peter and William (Will) Melendez, Dave coached and served as President of the Catholic Athletic (Baseball) League, and coached Roller Hockey, successfully advocating for a community roller hockey rink in Arlington. Grandfather to two outstanding young men, Elvis Melendez and Orlando Melendez, Dave was always on hand to support their school and extracurricular activities with a smile, a hug, and great pride. Dave is survived by wife Nancy, sons Peter and Will, daughter-in-law Krista, grandsons Elvis and Orlando, granddaughters by marriage Kathy and Krystal Mesa, brothers Bill, Tom, and Anthony Melendez, sister-in-law Bonnie Melchor, nieces Shannon Schmitz, Shasta Dye, nephews Tom and Robby Melendez, Van and CJ Melchor, and many cousins, colleagues and close friends.

He will join his parents, grandparents, and brother Caesar Melchor in their heavenly repose.

Services will be Tuesday October 15, 2024 with a 9:30am Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 3774 Jackson Street, Riverside; 11:00am interment at Olivewood Memorial Park, 3300 Central Avenue, Riverside; followed by 12:00pm Celebration of Life at Riverside Woman’s Club, 4092 Tenth Street, Riverside.