Remembering Our Beloved Joseph V. Melendez

May 18th, 1938 – January 13th, 2025

Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to Joseph V. Melendez, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

Born on May 18th, 1938, in the mountainous town of Orocovis located in the center of the island of Puerto Rico, Joseph filled our lives with love and laughter until his peaceful passing on January 13th, 2025, in Nashville, TN.

Joseph was a great provider and family man. With his hardworking, supportive, and jovial nature, he touched the lives of everyone around him, including his friends at Bob Magro Realty in the Bronx, NY. He served his country starting in 1958, reaching the rank of PFC E-3 in the US Army. He was proud of his service in Korea, especially as a Military Policeman and Carbine and Pistol Marksman. After serving his country he began work at the U.S. Government Printing Office while attending college at night to obtain his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1976 from Bernard M. Baruch College – City University of New York. He retired after 30 years and then he became an Accountant for the remainder of his working career as a small business owner.

Joseph married in July 1962 at the age of 24. He and his wife Irma lived in the same home in Queens, NY for 48 years, where they raised his family together. In 2021, Joseph and his wife moved to Nashville, TN to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law. At home in New York, Joseph’s warmth shone brightest. He was a grill master, turning ordinary meals into cherished family gatherings. His love for fishing brought joy and adventure to our summer months. In Nashville, Joseph found a warm and welcoming community at Holy Name Church. We fondly remember him sitting in his favorite chair, engrossed in episodes of “Quien Caera”, a game show that never failed to bring a smile to his face, and “Enamorandonos”. He continued to tell jokes throughout his life, bringing laughter to those around him.

Joseph’s legacy lives on through his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Irma Melendez, who stood by his side through life’s many challenges. His children, Brenda Melendez (Christopher) Coulter and Nelson (Katrinna) Melendez, carry forward his spirit of kindness and dedication. His grandchildren, Brandon, Sierra, and Joshua Melendez, were the light of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them. His brothers, Rafael Melendez, Manuel Melendez, and Esteban Melendez.

We also remember those who have passed before him: his dear daughter, Nadja Y Melendez, and his brother-in-law, Reinaldo “Rey” Crespo, whom he helped raise from a young age. Siblings, Carmen Melendez, Olga Ponce, Paulita Melendez, Celia Melendez, Lydia Melendez, Nitza Melendez, Mary Melendez, Jose C. Melendez, John B. Melendez, Angel Melendez, and Alberto Melendez. May they all find peace together.

As we celebrate Joseph’s life, we hold close the memories of his unwavering love and the joy he brought to our family. His joyful spirit will forever be missed but never forgotten.

We invite close family and friends to join us in honoring Joseph’s memory and sharing stories that reflect the warmth he brought into our lives.