Mario Oscar Melendez, a devoted family man and a pillar of strength, passed away on December 14, 2023, at the age of 79 in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Born in El Paso, Texas, on February 21, 1944, Mario's remarkable journey touched the lives of many and left an enduring legacy. In 1952, at the age of 8, Mario moved to Phoenix, Arizona, with his family. As a young student, Mario's highest remarks were in art, music, and athleticism.

A patriot from an early age, he joined the United States Army in 1963 at 19 years' old, serving his country with honor during deployments to both Korea and Vietnam. After three years of dedicated service, he returned home in April of 1966, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. In June 1966, he received the Purple Heart in recognition of wounds received in action while serving in the Republic of Vietnam on January 19th, 1966. 

That same year he embarked on a 43-year career with the United States Postal Service, demonstrating unwavering dedication and hard work. In 1968, he purchased an undeveloped lot of land on Ardmore Road in south Phoenix, laying the foundation for his future and the well-being of his eventual family. That land would ultimately house Mario's long-standing family home where he would spend the final 40 years of his life.  

Mario married his first wife, Thelma F. Melendez,  in the early 1970's. The family expanded with the arrival of their first son, Larry Melendez, in 1971 and their second son, Angel Melendez, in 1974. Mario and Thelma spent more than a decade together, raising their sons and forming many happy memories. The couple did ultimately part ways amicably in 1983. While their marriage came to a formal end, their love and respect for each other never did. 

In 1990, Mario found love again in Elisa T. Melendez, the younger sister of his good friend Daniel Gomez. Mario and Lisa welcomed their only child together, Javier Melendez, in May of 1991 and married later that year. 

Retiring from the Postal Service in October 2009, Mario embraced the newfound freedom of his golden years. He kept busy by starting (and sometimes finishing) various home improvement projects; he enjoyed sitting outside and reading the Bible while sipping coffee in the early morning hours. He'd sit and watch just about any movie, but if you let him pick he'd almost always pick an old western film. He loved music and would sing and dance any time Lisa would play music throughout the house. 

Mario faced the loss of his beloved wife Lisa in 2021 with strength, drawing closer to his sons, Angel and Javier. He found solace in his faith and began attending church on Sunday mornings with his son, Angel, or his sister, Thelma. He reignited his interest in target shooting and would visit the range on weekend mornings with his sons Angel and Javier. He even opened his heart to the neighborhood cats and began providing them food, water, warm shelter, and affectionate nicknames. 

A man of integrity, Mario was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, a caring brother, and a cherished friend. His dedication to his family and community, coupled with a lifetime of hard work, exemplified the essence of a life well-lived.

Mario Oscar Melendez is survived by his three sons (Lawrence Ermundo Melendez, Angel Carlos Melendez, and Mario Javier Melendez), three step-daughters (Jennie Gessler, Veronica Monica Ortiz, and Victoria Marie Ortiz), three siblings (Robert Melendez, Danny Melendez, and Thelma Armenta), and thirteen grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife Elisa Melendez, his parents Naomi and Robert Melendez, his sister Norma Melendez, and brothers Larry Melendez, Arturo Melendez, and Hector Melendez.

A memorial service to celebrate Mario's life will be held on Saturday December 30th, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Tempe Mortuary, 405 W Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282. Flowers may be sent to Tempe Mortuary with delivery by 5:00 PM on Friday, December 29th, 2023.

May Mario's memory live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him, and may he find eternal peace.

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