Fernando "Freddie" Melendez, 88, of Hammonton, NJ passed away suddenly at his home on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, he lived in Hammonton for over 73 years. After graduating from Hammonton High School, he went to work at the Quaker Store in Hammonton and later practiced as a Licensed Practical Nurse and psychiatric technician at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital. In 1961, he moved on from Ancora and was employed at Hammonton Park Clothing in the 1970's, until the manufacturer closed in 1981. He finished his professional career at the Lower Camden County Regional High School District where he worked for 25 years before retirement in 2007. Freddie served as a lector at St. Joseph's RC Church in Hammonton and a former member of the Hammonton Zoning Board, but his proudest accomplishment was co-founding the Puerto Rican Civic Association, serving in many roles over the years, including as treasurer for several years before retirement. He was a mentor to many in the Hispanic community over the years. Freddie was predeceased by his parents, Blas and Maria Melendez, his daughter, Lydia Melendez, his siblings, Rafael, Angelo, Hilda Torres, and Blas, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Blanca Melendez (nee Pagan); his four children, Fernando Melendez, Jr., Julia M. Rian, John O. Melendez, and Lisa Melendez; his sister, Gloria Stewart and brother Raul Melendez; his three grandchildren, Louis Melendez, Ariel Melendez and Alyssa Melendez, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 11:00 am at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish, Church of St. Joseph's 226 French St, Hammonton, NJ. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hammonton. There will be No Viewing.