Julio Jorge Melendez Casanova

1946 - 2022

Julio J. Melendez was called Home on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at the age of 76.

If you were to ask a hundred people who Julio, Jay, Julito, Dad or Papi was, they'd all give you a different story. He was a secret agent, a superhero, the funniest man in the world, an elephant tamer, top Chef omelet maker, and a proud Vietnam Vet "Semper Fi". Carlton had nothing on Dad's dance moves. He was a MacGyver, and a scholar. He had hair like Elvis, a beard like Kenny Rogers but couldn't sing like either. Julio was also known as a lost prince from an alternate universe or the last unicorn tamer in the galaxy. To us, our beloved dad was nothing shy of all of these things.

Julio was born on February 22, 1946, in Humacao, Puerto Rico. He lived a vast majority of his life in New York and spent his last years in Texas. No matter the occasion he was always willing to lend a helping hand, provide words of comfort, and the ability to enter a room full of strangers, but exit with a room full of friends.

Julio is survived by his wife, Marie; son, Julian (Kerry) Melendez of New York; daughter, Nicole (David) Chapman of Central Florida; grandchildren, Amalia & Noah; and great grandchild, Mila of New York. He was preceded in death by his father, Julio J. Melendez; his mother, Isabel Casanova; daughter, Jana; and sons, Cadin & Bradin.

The world has truly lost a great man.

A Memorial service will be held at the Dallas - Fort Worth National Cemetery, on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at 9:15AM with inurnment to follow.

Please send flowers to family home and NOT the Dallas - Fort Worth National Cemetery.