A proud U.S. Army veteran, Tony served for two years in the Korean War. He later devoted 32 years of steady, honorable work as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, a life of service marked by reliability, duty, and daily dedication to the community he called home.
Tony met Esther in Houston, Texas, and they were married on March 14, 1954. They shared 64 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Melendez; his brothers, Jimmie Melendez, Max Melendez and Clay Melendez; and his sisters, Janie Sanchez and Hortencia Perez.
Tony is survived by his sons, Ricardo Melendez and Larry Melendez and wife Marie; his daughters, Melinda Sanchez and Melva Melendez; his grandchildren, Lee Sanchez, Vincent Melendez, Angela Melendez, Jennifer Gomez and husband Camilo, Erica Rice and husband Sammie, Marissa Martir and husband Thomas, and Matthew Melendez; his great-grandchildren, Anthony, Jade, Vivian, Nixon, Nolan, Aria, Brianna, Christopher, Sophia, Gabriella, Mia, and Noah; and his great-great-grandchildren, Julian, Jade, Alani, and Emilia.
Tony found deep joy in the outdoors and in traveling, and he especially treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed cheering on the Houston Texans and the Houston Astros, and he could often be found enjoying a good game—Dominos, Skip-bo, Scrabble, or computer Solitaire—simple pleasures that brought people together and made ordinary days feel warm and full.
Visitation will be held on October 26, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am with funeral services to begin at 2:30pm at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway Houston, TX 77039. Interment to follow in Brookside Memorial Park immediately after the funeral service.
Serving as pallbearers are Lee Sanchez, Anthony Sanchez, Vincent Melendez, Matthew Melendez, Camilo Gomez, and Christopher Gomez.
Special thanks to his caregiver, Shernetta Huey, and the staff at Brookdale Spring Shadows and the Heights. The family will always be grateful for your care and compassion.
