Obituary of Rafael Melendez

Rafael "Ray" Melendez, age 71 of Voorhees, passed away on June 28, 2024 at Virtua Hospital in Mount Holly.  He was born on September 18, 1952 in Panama City, Panama to the late Rafael and Dora (nee Torres) Melendez.

He is the beloved husband of 44 years of Luz H. Febus-Melendez; dear brother of Albert (Vivian) and Edwin (Yolanda) Melendez and brother in law of Josie (Rafael) Guzman and Jose A. Febus; loving uncle of Stephanie (Jack) Ackley, Bianca (Matthew) Parker, Andrew Melendez, Victoria P. Melendez, Edwin Melendez Jr., Jessica (Bruce) Rice, Jose A. Febus Jr. and Jovoni Febus and great uncle to Luke Matthew Parker, Camila Rice and Ariana Rice; cherished nephew of Edilia Melendez also survived by many friends and extended family members. Predeceased by his in-laws Maximo & Carmen Febus, and brother-in-law Maximo Febus, Jr.

Ray graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick in 1974 with his Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and Education.  He went on to teach ESL in the Camden City School District from 1974 to 1979.  In 1992, he received his Juris Doctorate degree from Villanova Law School.  After graduating, Ray worked for a law firm Tomar, Simonoff, Adourian and O'Brien in Haddonfield for three years

Prior to his retirement, Ray worked as an attorney with the Social Security Administration and worked part time at LAEDA Entrepreneurship as an instructor in Camden.  He enjoyed motorcycles and sports cars, all Philadelphia sports teams, spending time with his family and above all else, music.  He had a passion for reading and in his younger years collected baseball cards and comic books.  He was a devout Catholic who read the Bible regularly and prayed daily.  He was a dedicated parishioner at the Catholic Community of Christ Our Light Church and was a 4th degree Knight with Knights of Columbus - Cristo Redentor Council #7814.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation and Funeral on Monday, July 8 from 9 to 10:30 AM at the Falco/Caruso & Leonard Pennsauken Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Road.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM at the Catholic Community of Christ Our Light Church, 402 Kings Highway North in Cherry Hill.  Entombment will follow at Calvary Mausoleum in Cherry Hill.

If desired, please consider making donations in Ray's name to the American Cancer Society, 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.