Manuel M. Melendez

Manuel Melendez, Sr., 73, passed away on November 4, 2018 at the Mercy Medical Center in Springfield. He was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Born in Juncos, Puerto Rico on June 27, 1945, Manuel came to the United States in 1969 seeking a better life. In 1972, he met and married his beloved wife, Ileana. Manuel worked as a laborer/assembler for the Columbia Bicycle Manufacturing Company in Westfield for 25 years, from 1969 until he retired in 1994. He will be remembered for his huge heart and warm smile. He loved being with his family and had a huge passion for music. He enjoyed playing his “caracho” and was an avid Red Sox fan.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ileana I. (Torres) Melendez, his two sons, Manuel Melendez, Jr. and his wife Tara , and Carlos “Chico” Melendez, all of Indian Orchard, four grandchildren, Angel Melendez, Kaila Melendez, Emily Jablonski and Olivia Melendez, one great-grandson, Armani Santiago, one brother, Angel Melendez of Springfield, and three sisters, Candida Arzate and Gladys Melendez, both of Holyoke and Ada Nivea Melendez of Puerto Rico. He was the son of the late Gonzalo and Julia (Massoinet) Melendez and brother of the late Jose Melendez, Carmen Colon, Lucinda Melendez and Gonzalo Melendez, Jr..

Funeral Services for Manuel will be on Friday, November 9, with Calling Hours at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Indian Orchard from 10am – 12noon, followed by a Funeral Service in the funeral home at 12noon and burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Springfield.

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