Obituary of Edwin E. Melendez

Edwin E. Melendez, age 59, of Monroe passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Gigi (Cancel) Melendez. Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico on August 19, 1965, he was the son of Eleuterio and Marta I. (Perez) Melendez of Monroe. Edwin had attended Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, NY and later worked in the construction industry for many years. He was a gifted musician and played the saxophone in various bands, building numerous friendships along the way. Other enjoyments of Edwin included being a motorcycle enthusiast, a fine cigar aficionado and an avid fisherman. He was notorious for his sense of humor and ability to be the center of attention by getting along with everyone. His greatest enjoyment however was found in the time he spent surrounded by his family, especially his grandson Castiel, whom he adored. A loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend of many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents and beloved wife Gigi of nearly 38 years, other survivors include his loving son, Mark Melendez of Elizabeth, NJ, his adored grandson, Castiel Melendez, his mother-in-law, Sr. Damaris Martinez of MA, his sister, Marta Smith and her husband David of Texas, as well as four nephews and a niece. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. directly in St. Jude Church, 707 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery, Monroe. Friends may greet the family on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com.