"A child is born" from the union of Mary Luz-Melendez and Domingo R. Melendez on April 9, 1959 in Brooklyn NY.  Wow! It's a boy who they named David George Melendez. David was the first born of seven children. Educated in the Jersey City school system, David was employed by the Jersey City Board of Education (JCBE), Jersey Gypsum Supply Company, and Allied Building Supply until his unfortunate illness forced him into retirement.

In September of 1980 David met Linda Watkins. On July 16, 1983 they became one as she became his life partner in Holy Matrimony.  This union formed a blended family of one son, Eric (Vanessa); three daughters, Tonia (Bobby Washington), LaShonne (Derrick Lucas) and Charisma; and five grandchildren, Joel Bass, Sunaya, Saidah and Rashida Washington, and Anna Lucas.

David became a member of Bethesda Baptist Church where his wife had been a member since childhood. He worked diligently in the church where he held multiple positions starting with the most important of an usher or "doorkeeper".  He went on to hold the positions of trustee, ordained Deacon, co-chair of the Deacon Board and a member of four choirs in addition to a male choral group (Men of Praise).  David was on fire for the Lord; he didn't stop there he also mentored male youth. Amen!

On March 19, 2020 this good and faithful servant was called to spend eternal life with his maker and be reunited with his mother Mary, father Domingo, baby brother Jose Melendez, and mother-in-law Annabell Watkins. Those left to celebrate his life and reflect on his legacy are his loving wife, Linda; his children and grandchildren; sisters, Mary Luz Melendez, Delores Melendez-Reeves (John), Deborah Melendez; and brothers, Michael Anthony Melendez and Reymundo Melendez.  Also, to reflect and celebrate David are his sisters-in-law Elnora White, Patricia Watkins, who lovingly would refer to him as "Ralph" (inside joke), Judi Sass (Robert) who would lovingly refer to him as "George" when he misbehaves; and two brothers-in-law Donald Watkins (Sharon) and Melvin Watkins. He was thought of as a "brother" not in-law. Celebrating and reflecting on David's life also include five godsons, Milton (CJ) Jeter, Daniel Higgenbotham-Roberts, Jason Gibson, Justin Gibson, and Derrick Alexander; four goddaughters, Ebony Sass, Crystal Roberts, Saidah and Rashida Washington also a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving relatives and friends.

David will be sorely missed here on earth, but knowing he now has eternal life makes this a day of celebration. Reflect on the good memories and he will always be with you.

A reflection and celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 19, 2021 (his anniversary of eternal life) at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, VA. Due to Covid restrictions attendance is limited but the service will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook page and may be accessed by CLICK HERE