Raul Orfelio Melendez

Raul Orfelio Melendez Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Raul Orfelio Melendez, passed away this past Monday, September 10, in Orlando, Florida. While he lived most of his life in Laredo, Texas, and had made Austin, Texas his home, he was visiting his Florida family where he was doing what he always did, sharing his time and love with his family. Born in Villaldama, Mexico, Raul had a high sense of responsibility, which he showed since an early age while working as a telegrapher with the railroad company in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and later on as a quality control inspector with Zenith Corporation in Chicago. With a creative spirit, he also had the opportunity to explore his entrepreneurial side when he constantly traveled the roads between Laredo and Chicago taking his “Hojas para Tamal” and bringing gifts for his wife and daughters, small in size but immense in love: cheese popcorn, Jay’s potato chips and the latest music in 45 RPMs. He would always have a smile, and was equally happy working in his shop transforming wood into his own creations or listening to Los Panchos and Pedro Vargas while his romantic soul would fill the room. Family, music, and carpentry were his life’s passions and hobbies. A man of few words but great feelings, Raul found the way to Lilia’s heart right after they met in Nuevo Laredo, and from the home they created, they started a family that has received all their love and today misses him dearly, yet is grateful to celebrate his life. Raul is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lilia E. Melendez, along with four daughters; Lily (Rodolfo) Calzado, Myrna (Juan) Meza, Nancy (Rene) Martinez and Nelly (Jorge) Mikan; grandchildren, Ana (Juan) Vela, Michelle, Claudia and Krystal Calzado, Juan Raul (Stephanie) and Christina (fiancé Michael Kim) Meza, Rene Alejandro, Vanessa, and Victoria Martinez, Lauren and Hunter Rezny; great-grandchildren, Rosa, Sophia, and Miguel Vela, Angelina, Cecilia, Briana, Juliana and Juan Raul II Meza; siblings, Petra Ferreyro, Ramiro Melendez, Adelina Cantu, Porfirio Melendez, Tirso Melendez, Elvira Garza and many other loving nieces, nephews, relatives and compadres. A rosary will be recited on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 7 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 14, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to San Luis Rey Catholic Church, 3502 Sanders Avenue. Chapel opens at 7 a.m. A mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. with Fr. Ybain Ramirez from Casselberry, Florida officiating. A gathering to honor Raul Melendez will take place immediately following the mass at the church hall. Serving as pallbearers will be: Rodolfo Calzado, Juan Meza, Rene Martinez, Jorge Mikan, Juan Raul Meza, Rene Alejandro Martinez, and Hunter Rezny. In lieu of flowers and in an ongoing effort to recognize and honor Raul's memory the family request a memorial donation to the Florida Hospital Foundation. Details are as followed: Florida Hospital Foundation (407) 303-2784 www.floridahospitalfoundation.org 2809 N. Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32804 A drop box will be provided at the viewing for all cash or check donations. Credit Card donations may be called into 407-303-2784. When placing your donation, state that the gift is in memory of Raul Meléndez. Alternatively, gifts can be mailed directly to: Florida Hospital Foundation 2809 N Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32804 A note should be included that contains the following information: 1) The Donor’s Name 2) Meléndez Family Representative to be notified of Gift (amount will not be disclosed, only that the gift was received) Nelly Rezny 316 Valley Drive Longwood, FL 32779 407-718-3686 3) Area which should benefit from the gift - Altamonte Hospital ICU 4) Name & address of person to receive the receipt if different from the information on the check. This is for tax purposes. The Florida Hospital Finance department will send a gift receipt if the information is on the check. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Rd.