Luis M. Melecio, age 81, from Chicago, Illinois was born on May 13, 1939 in Dorado Puerto Rico, son of Leonalda Melecio. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, the late Anacleto Melecio and Felicita Oquendo in Santa Rosa, Dorado Puerto Rico.
Bayin or Mike, as family and friends lovingly called him, had a total of 3 half siblings Jose “Cheito” Freytes, Elba Nidia and Jose M “Lyn” Freytes.
In 1954, Luis Sr. moved with his uncle Roberto Melecio to the City of Chicago. The Windy City became his permanent residency. He worked very hard since stepping foot in Chicago; in only few years his efforts where paying off when in 1964 he brought the Black Foreign Bar in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, bar that he owns from 1964-1972.
In the in the summer of 1964, Luis Sr. reconnect with his old childhood friend, Juanita Alamo and on December 26, of the same year, he married the loved of his life, Juanita, his wife of almost fifty six years with whom he had three children Elliott, Jennie and Luis Jr.
In 1972, in partnership with a friend he became an owner of the Posen Laminating Company in Posen Illinois. His commitment to his company and daily commute in and out of the city kept Luis Sr. away from his family for long hours, and he makes the decision to move his family closer to his company, and in 1973 the Melecio family moved to Markham, Illinois their home for 13 years.
After he sold his laminating company in 1981, Luis Sr. looks for various options to invest his money. He decided to invest in real estate and purchased various buildings in the City of Chicago. He also invests in a bar located in Bucktown neighborhood, The Bolero Club. Do to his daily commute in and out of the city Luis Sr. made the decision to move his family back to Chicago in 1986.
Luis Sr. loved to have family reunion; during the summer time he enjoyed to be at the Humboldt Park, or grilling in the back yard, calling family to join him in a beautiful afternoon.
Despite his years living in Chicago, Luis liked to travel to his native Puerto Rico and enjoy pleasant moments with his family and friends. Despite his strong character, Luis was always willing to help whoever needed him. He always welcomed many of his immediate and extended family into his home when they decided to immigrate to Chicago.
Luis loved his wife so much; he affectionately called her Negri, and constantly telling people that his Negri was the love of his life that he could not live without her. He used to say: if she dies I die.
Luis was never a church going person, but don’t get it wrong, he had a big heart. Juanita, his wife, prayed to God for her husband, asking God to save him even if it were in the twilight of his days ... God always listens to the prayer. Luis M Melecio accepted the Lord as his Savior before his days ended. His wife prayer was answered.
And on May 18, four hours after the love of his life passed away, Luis was told: Your days are determined; and the number of you months have been drawn near to you; I set limits, you cannot exceed…..Luis M. Melecio enters into the joy of your Lord. And so his days ended.
Luis M. Melecio join his wife Juanita Alamo- Melecio who preceed him in death four hour earlier. Also preceding him in death was his grandparents Anacleto Melecio and Felicita Oquendo, his mother Leonalda Melecio and brother Jose “Cheito” Freytes.
Surviving is his sister Elba N of Chicago IL, brother Jose M (Rosa) Freytes of Kissimmee Florida, her children Elliott Melecio, Jennie Melecio, Luis (Liana) Melecio, 5 grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.
Funeral Service will be held privately for immediate family only.
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