Manuel "Manny" Melendez, 82, of Whitehall, passed away Monday, January 29, 2024 at his home. He was born October 21,1941 in Puerto Rico, the son of the late Bernardo Melendez-Rivera and Angelina Helen Melendez.

Manny retired after many years from Muhlenberg College, working as a groundskeeper. He had a passion for working on fast race cars and then putting them into practice by racing them at Wind Gap Creek and Maple Grove. After his racing career, he participated in a bowling league for some time. Manny was also an avid Eagles and Philly fan and he thoroughly enjoyed western movies. He will be deeply missed by his family.

He is survived by two sons, Manuel (Cindy) Melendez and Shawn; three daughters, Sandra Diaz, and Kim and Jennifer Melendez; eight grandchildren, Emily, Faith, Zachary, Amorette, and Amora Melendez and Carlos, Javier, Luis "Manny", and Yvelisse Diaz; many great-grandchildren; one brother, Wilfredo Melendez; and two sisters, Maria Ramos and Madeline Barbosa.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in 2013 by his loving wife Lillian E. Melendez; and one brother, Luis Melendez.

Professional Services are entrusted to Weber Funeral Homes, P.C. in Allentown. Services are private.