Melvin "Mel" Santos Sabater

Melvin “Mel” Santos Sabater, 59, of Virginia Beach, went to be with the Lord on August 30, 2024. He was born in the Philippines and came to the United States as an infant when his father joined the US Navy and was stationed in California. As a military brat, Melvin moved a lot during his father’s military career, eventually settling in Virginia Beach.

In 1983, Mel graduated from Bayside High School where he was a proud member of the marching band; he played the trumpet. He was also a member of the soccer team. In the summer, you would find Mel at the beach skimboarding and snowboarding during the winter. Mel attended Old Dominion University, but ultimately graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration. He dedicated almost 35 years of loyal service to Sentara, initially as a medical assistant and advancing into Healthcare Analytics.

Mel was a devoted father and husband. He coached both his sons’ youth soccer teams for many years until they advanced to competitive levels, where he continued cheering them on from the stands and attending nearly every game, near or far. He also loved to watch his daughter play competitive volleyball throughout her high school and college years. Mel was a band dad to his eldest son and daughter and proudly watched countless hours of marching band, concerts, and steel drum performances. He enjoyed fishing and watching English Premier League soccer (Arsenal) and NFL football (Washington Commanders). However, nothing made him happier than spending quality time with his family. His fondest memories are vacationing at the beach with his wife and children.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 31 years, Charlene; 2 sons, Andrew and Matthew; daughter, Samantha; parents Benjamin and Zenaida; 3 brothers, Mitch(Katie), Mike(Jessica), and Mark(Tina); 2 beloved dogs, Mason and Maverick; and 2 grand-cats, Soup and Baby Kitty. Mel was the son-in-law to Ven and Luz; dearest brother-in-law to Art (Kim), Boni, and Debbie (Mike). He was also the adored uncle to Yvette, Janelle, Meghan and (Big)Tyler, Tyler(TyTy), Jordan, Faith, Gage, Blaize, Skye, Kyleigh, Cade, Reese, Ethan, and Tatum.

The family will receive friends from 5-8:00 pm, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 19, 2024at Church of the Ascension. Burial will follow in Colonial Grove Cemetery. You may offer condolences at http://www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com/.