Juan Melendez, a long-time resident of Riverdale NY, passed away at the age of 84.
As a teenager, Juan moved to New York with his family from their hometown of Fajardo, Puerto Rico. He then enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country for 4 years before receiving an honorable discharge.
At the completion of his military career, Juan and his first wife settled in Manhattan where they raised their children. Though divorced, he and Victoria remained good friends for the remainder of his life.
Juan worked as a New York City bus driver with the MTA for over 25 years before he retired. An avid Yankees fan, he enjoyed watching every game and discussing them in depth during daily phone calls with his children.
Juan is survived by his second wife and steadfast caregiver, Nitza, son Luis (Rosana), daughter Rosalie, son John (Evelyn), son Carlos (Jill), son Albert (Karen), daughter Marilyn, son Howard, and daughter Felicia. His memory will be kept strong by his grandchildren Valerie (Luis), Nicole (Melvin), Alyssa (Tito), Daynah, Ryan, Lauren, Devyn, Christopher, Christian, Maya and Kayla as well as his many great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews to whom he was very close.
Juan’s family loved him very much and will miss him tremendously. They will forever be proud of, and comforted by, one of the greatest accomplishments of his life. In service and support to others he impacted, and likely saved, the lives of many people. He faithfully led and attended weekly AA meetings for over forty years to share his own story of overcoming alcoholism and to sponsor those who needed help in order to get and stay sober. He made lifelong friends during his journey to help others and his legacy will undoubtedly live on in them.
A wake and memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 21st from 9AM to 12PM at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home,, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY. Burial will be immediately following at Rosedale Rosehill Cemetery at 350 E Linden Ave, Linden, NJ 07036.
(Facial coverings are required and adherence to social distancing is in effect due to COVID-19 restrictions).