William D. Melendez

WILLIAM DIAZ MELENDEZ Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Age 87, of Riverside, CA passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2011. William was born in San Angelo, Texas on January 20, 1924 to Francisco Melendez and Francisca Diaz. He lost his mother at a young age and spent several years in an orphanage until his itinerant preacher father returned to claim him. William was one of 8 children in a blended family that moved to Sacramento, California in the 1940\'s. During the family\'s trek to Sacramento, William stopped in Riverside and met the love of his life, Vivian Rangel. He journeyed between Sacramento, Riverside and Texas writing to his dearest Vivian and always ending his letters, "Love, William Melendez". William came to Riverside to stay in 1948, married Vivian and together they made Riverside their home. William and Vivian raised their three sons, William Rangel, David Ernest and Thomas Frank, adopted Anthony Thomas and spent 25 years caring for foster children and inviting them to become a part of the family as was the case with Caesar Melchor. Vivian preceded William in death, passing in February 2006. William is survived by his sons, William, David, Thomas, Anthony and Caesar; and daughters-in-law, Nancy Melendez and Bonnie Melchor. He has 8 grandchildren, Shannon Schmitz, Shasta Phibbs, Peter Melendez, William Melendez, Thomas Melendez, Robby Melendez, Kathleen Melchor, and CJ Melchor and 7 great-grandchildren, Ashley, Madisen, and Samantha Schmitz, Nathan, Brandon and Ashton Phibbs, and Elvis Melendez. Funeral mass will be Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 10:00am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with burial to follow at Olivewood Memorial Park. Viewing by appointment only at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary. (951) 688-1221).