Confesor Juan Melendez

Confesor "Juan" Melendez passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, August 24, 2024. Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, he relocated in 1967 to Hoboken, and after his military service, he lived in Jersey City before settling in Bayonne.

Juan was a man of honor and pride, having enlisted in the United States Army and serving his country with utmost dedication. He then embarked on a career as an independent truck driver, lending his expertise to various companies.

Juan was a passionate sports enthusiast who actively participated in various baseball leagues in his younger years. His love for baseball was not just a hobby but a deep-rooted passion that continued as he followed his favorite teams, the Yankees and the Mets. His passion for the world of boxing was equally intense, often hosting or attending viewing parties where family and friends gathered to enthusiastically watch the matches of numerous boxing legends. In his free time, he found peace and tranquility in fishing at local oceans, rivers, and streams wherever he was stationed in the world. His love of salsa music was frequently expressed in the comfort of his home as he played bongos or maracas along with his favorite tunes and filled his home with vibrant, infectious melodies. 

Juan will be remembered as a devoted husband and father with an undeniable and lasting love for his beloved family. 

Juan was predeceased by his son, Juan Antonio Melendez, his sister, Zoraida Marrero, and his father, Juan Melendez. Left to cherish his memory are his dearly beloved wife of 53 years, Maria (Guzman) Melendez; his children, Zinia and Dennis Melendez; his dear mother, Petra Ortiz, who is 104 years old; two sisters, Amelia Marrero and Carmen Huertas; his brother, Abraham Diaz; and an abundance of nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at the Dworzanski & Son Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 28, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.  A funeral mass in Spanish will be offered in Juan's honor on Thursday, August 29, at 10:00 AM at St Mary, Star of the Sea, Roman Catholic Church, 326 Avenue C, Bayonne, officiated by Fr. Morris Montoya.  (There will be no visiting hours on the morning of the funeral, family and friends are asked to meet directly at church) Cremation will follow at Rosehill Cemetery, 792 E Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ, where the United States Army will hold Military honors.

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