Antonio Melendez

Antonio V. Melendez, 93, was sleeping peacefully when God called him to his eternal home on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 in Roswell, NM. Funeral will take place at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Saturday, December 3, 2016 with rosary scheduled at 9:00a.m. and Mass following at 10:00a.m. with Fr. Charlie Martinez, OFM Pastor officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery.

Antonio V. Melendez was born on January 3,1923 in Roswell, NM to Jose Melendez and Ramona Vasquez Melendez. He lived most of his life as a Roswell resident with a few years in California in his early years. On November 22, 1939, Antonio married the love of his life, Estella Gonzales, and they shared 57 years together until her passing on October 26, 1997.

Antonio was a World War II veteran. He joined the service on July 6,1944 and served his Country honorably. He received an Honorable discharge on August 24, 1946 from the U.S. Army. He received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal. Antonio started working at an early age and was skilled in many areas. He worked a variety of jobs during his lifetime to include working in the shipping yards, general carpenter, landscaper, construction worker, and gardener. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and in his earlier years boxing.

Antonio was of the Catholic faith and was blessed with a loving family. He loved his family very much. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, and great-great- great grandfather. He will always be loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Antonio was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Ramona Melendez. He is also preceded in death by his sisters, Estella V. Melendez and Erminia Espinoza, brother Ralph Melendez, and son-in-law Manuel R. Matta.
Antonio is survived by his four children: Gloria Matta, Tony Melendez Jr. (Esperanza), Patricia Lucero (Ernest R.), Tom Melendez (Beatrice), and one brother John Ramos (Minnie). He also leaves behind to cherish his memory his grandchildren: Jeanette Gonzales (Ross), Arlene Matta, Lorraine Gutierrez (Alex), Larry Melendez, Ramona Zambrano (Danny), Tony Melendez III (Irene), Ernest A. (Genaia), Darian Lucero, Adrian Lucero (Jessica), Samuel Lucero, Thomas Melendez, Dr. Louis Melendez; Greatgrandchildren: Yvette Gonzales (Rudy), Jennifer Branch (Joe), Sarah Gonzales (Josue), Erique Gutierrez (Lynn), Candace Clark (Kevin), Jonathan Gutierrez, Bo Melendez, Jonah Melendez, Zeke Zambrano, Maya Melendez, Victoria Melendez, Vanessa Lucero, Darian Lucero Jr., Bryan Bahe Jr., James Lucero, Julianna Lucero, Jacob Lucero, Lilly Espinoza, Camilo Lucero; 16 great-great grandchildren, and 2 great- great-great children.

A special thank you to the nurses at Casa Maria Healthcare Center and Dr. Reynaldo Martinez for their loving care and support.

Service

Rosary

St. Peters Catholic Church
109 E. Deming
Roswell, NM  88203
Saturday, December 3, 2016
9:00 am

Mass

St. Peters Catholic Church
109 E. Deming
Roswell, NM  88203
Saturday, December 3, 2016
10:00 am

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203