Victor M. Melendez

Victor was born on April 16, 1945 in Santurce, Puerto Rico to Victor Manuel Sr. who was a Merchant Marine and Alicia Garcia Melendez, who was a factory worker. Victor had one brother- José Manuel Melendez (Pepe) who he was very close with. “In Puerto Rico there wasn’t much to do”. He used to play “silly child games and roll in the grass.” A few years later his father went to New York first while the rest of the family stood behind in Puerto Rico. Victor later moved to New York City in “El Barrio” at the age of 5 along with his brother to live with their father. His mother joined them at a later date. The first place that they lived in NYC was in a basement of a building that his father was the superintendent of. They only stood there for a year because it was illegal for people to live there due to the hazardous environment.

During an interview with his granddaughter in 2009 he shared, “I’ve always been into sports.” He’s always enjoyed playing baseball, handball, ping pong, and watching the famous New York Yankees. In Junior High he was voted “Best Athlete” by his peers. As he grew into his adolescent years, he became a part of a church group that called themselves “The Christians”. This group helped to keep him off the streets and out of trouble. He would always be with his group; they stuck together and stood occupied by playing sports together.

He later joined the Air Force in 1965 where he became a Sergeant while working in Communications. During the course of his years of service, Victor saw different parts of the world and ultimately landed in Vietnam where he served in the Vietnam War. In his later days you could always catch him proudly sporting his Veteran’s hat.

Victor had the pleasure of having two great loves during his lifetime. He married his first wife, Luz Celina (Lucy) in 1974 and was with until her death in 1987. He married his second wife, Luz Estelle (Luz) in 1992 and was with her until her death in 2021.

He met his first wife Lucy and they were inseparable from the start. They had fun times together in their young age. They would go dancing, play dominoes and go camping. Together they established a family with their seven children- Angel, Sandra, Brenda, Victor Jr., Tony, Michael, and Raymond. When his first wife passed away suddenly, he was left to pick up the pieces of a now broken home. He was resilient and shifted his world around to be there for his young children. All the things that he never had to do before, he soon was faced with and had to learn. As difficult as it was, he managed to provide for his family and still be there for them as a positive role model.

As time passed, eventually he was able to find love again. He worked for the New York Mass Transit working on trains where he retired. While at work on the trains he noticed a lovely lady- Luz. He often saw her by the tracks and was mesmerized by her beauty. One day he gave her his number and lucky for him, she took a chance and called. She surprisingly stuck around even after being told that he had 7 kids. He knew she was a keeper. Over the years they grew together and made a life with one another. A life that was centered around God, family, and love. They became the dynamic duo and were active in their families lives. After retiring they relocated from New York to sunny Florida. They enjoyed traveling together, dancing, going to the dine-in movie theatres, going out to eat, and cooking their famous dishes like 5 Cheeses, and creating new memories with the ones they love. He loved her and stood by her to the end until his heart couldn’t take anymore, and ultimately he had to join his “Lovey” in heaven.

He was shown an abundance of love during the time he fell ill and had a revolving door of family and friends who went to spend time with him while at the hospital and share memories, encourage him, pray for him, and sneak him Oreos and Mike and Ikes. His final days were spent surrounded by his children. He could feel the magnitude of love that was had for him all the way until he was called home. He held on until the last minute so that his twins could say goodbye.

He lived a life worth living indeed. Although for those who love him dearly, they would say it was too soon. But God knew that his mission had been completed. His legacy had been made. His presence already known and established. Victor Melendez had already filled the hearts of so many and implanted an everlasting impression that his job here was done. It was time for him to return back to the kingdom to be reunited with those who have gone before him.

Victor is survived by his brother José Manuel (Pepe); his sons Angel Santiago, Victor Melendez Jr., Mark Anthony Melendez (Tony), Michael Melendez and Raymond Melendez; daughter Brenda Rivera; grandchildren Diana Morales, Wilson Cardona, Lucy Watson, Sofia Melendez, Marcus Melendez, Lily Melendez, Bayli Pham, Layla Pham, and Jaxon Melendez; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Even in such a large family and extended family he found a way to make a connection with every single person that he encountered and had a way of making them feel special. Victor had a youthful spirit and a love for adventure and especially his family. Everything he did, was for his family. He was an amazing role model. He was always an advocate for “city jobs” and was so proud that all his boys went on to work for the city as well. Victor was an avid salsa dancer, oldies lover, dominoes table craftsman, and candy connoisseur.

There were a few well known places that you could always find him:

• In the garage doing a project always building something or working with his hand.

• On the couch watching his games, he didn’t miss not one as he recorded them all- NY Rangers, NY Giants, and of course his favorites the NY Yankees.

• When family was in town, you could always find him at a Disney Park- shout out to Amalia.

• And lastly, anywhere that he could get his favorite sweets. Kilwins where he got his sundaes, the food truck where he got his Pina Coladas, Disney Springs where he got his chocolate covered strawberries, and the list goes on.

Jesus was his Lord and Savior and he did not hesitate to share the word of the Lord to others. As a shirt that Victor often wore reads: Relax. God is in Control. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5.

We each have another angel to watch over us so let us celebrate his life and legacy today and every day so that his spirit continues to live on.

Acknowledgements:

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all those who have supported us during this difficult time. We truly appreciate the outpouring of love.

“Well done, good and faithful servant! Come into your eternal home"