Luis Carlos Melendez July 16, 1943 – June 3, 2018

Luis “Guero” Carlos Melendez, 74, reluctantly died in the early hours, June 3, from metastatic melanoma. Guero was born in Los Angeles on July 16, 1943.

He married the love of his life, Jo Ellen “Josie” (Myers) Melendez on March 26, 1966. Together, they had five children: Christian (Alicia) of Chesapeake, VA; Nicolas (Melissa) of Lake Elsinore, CA; Mario of Dana Point, CA; Carlos (Eibleis) of Martinez, CA; and Gabriela Roemhildt (Mark) of St. Peter, MN.

He had a successful career as a new construction-plumbing contractor, particularly in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. After 25 years of plumbing, he transitioned to plumbing sales where he blossomed.

He will long be remembered as a larger-than-life character who teased with love. He was most proud of his children’s accomplishments and their own successful marriages. While he lived a simple life, he was well liked, kind to all, and quick to put a smile on someone’s face.

He is survived by his beautiful wife, five children, three daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, 13 grandchildren: Luca, Isabela, Andreas, Angelo, Paolo, Sofia, Rocco, Carlo, Rúadhán, Madailéine, Maolán, Raina and Rebekah, and his ever present dachshund, Henry. He was preceded in death by his best friend and brother, Ricardo “Dickie” Melendez.

Memorials should be sent in his name to Disabled American Veterans. Services will be held Friday, June 8 at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano at 11 a.m.