Anival Melendez

In Loving memory of Anival Melendez who made his final ride through the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, after succumbing to complications of Covid-19 in Canton, Michigan. Anival was born in New York City on March 20, 1950 to Damasa Melendez Ortiz and Erasto Melendez Mateo and was the fourth of nine children. Anival grew up in Lorain and worked for Ford Motor Company for 40 plus years before retiring in 2012. Anival had a passion for music and played many instruments. Growing up he and other local musician friends would perform for family parties. Starting off in backyard garages and eventually leading up to bigger venues and events. He was part of several different well known bands in the late 70's and 80's, including Orquesta Charambo and Orquesta Marquis. Anival enjoyed spending time with family while playing the guitar and singing during family gatherings. Anyone who knew Anival would remember his wonderful sense of humor and full of life charismatic personality. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren during any kind of get together including their sporting events. Anival also enjoyed riding his Harley across Country and was a proud member of the Latin American Motorcycle Association. Anival will truly be missed and leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 27 years, Carmen 'Nancy' Melendez Villalon and seven children, Anthony E. Melendez of Sandusky, Joseph D. Melendez (Karen) of Elyria, Michael R. Melendez (Evelyn) of Elyria, Adrian R. Melendez (Christina) of Lorain, Samuel Melendez (Yolanda) of Lorain, David Melendez (Melinda) of North Carolina and Kiara J. Melendez of Canton, Michigan; stepdaughter, Kathryn A. Marburger of Canton, Michigan; 11 wonderful grandchildren, Michael, Alexander, Mariah, Adrian, Xavier, Joey, Daniel, Brayden, Elena, Aiden and Uriah; brothers, Angel, Erasto, Jr., Ernest, Anthony and Martin Melendez and sisters, Sonia Melendez, Carmen Melendez Ortiz and Jenny Melendez Rodriguez. Anival was preceded in death by his parents, Erasto Melendez Mateo and Damasa Melendez Ortiz. Services will be held at Sacred Heart Chapel in Lorain on Friday, February 5, 20201 9:30 a.m. as well Friday, February 12, 2021 at Divine Child in Dearborn, Michigan at 10 a.m.