Jose A. Melendez Torres, age 86, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, went home to be with the Lord on December 12, 2025.

Born in 1939 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jose lived a life marked by perseverance, faith, service, and love for his family. He trusted in God and found strength and comfort in his faith throughout his life. His quiet strength, patience, and resilience were evident to all who knew him.

Jose proudly served his country in the United States Army, completing two tours of duty in Vietnam and retiring after 22 years of service. In an extraordinary act of selflessness, he chose to serve a second tour in Vietnam in order to take the place of his younger brother. For his bravery and sacrifice, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and two Purple Hearts.

Following his military service, Jose built a dedicated civilian career and later retired from Boeing Co., an aircraft manufacturing company, where he served as a lead in manufacturing, earning the respect of his colleagues through his work ethic and leadership. He carried the values of discipline, integrity, and humility into every season of his life.

Jose was a beloved brother and uncle who cherished his family deeply. He was lovingly cared for and shared his later years with his nephew, Edgardo J. Melendez, along with Veronica Rivera, Thalia N. Melendez, and Edgardo J. Melendez (Eggie), whose home, compassion, and devotion brought him comfort and dignity.

He is survived by his siblings, Francisco J. Melendez Torres and Carmen G. Melendez Torres. He was preceded in death by loved ones who now welcome him into eternal rest.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 7:00 p.m., at
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive
Savannah, GA

Burial with military honors will take place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., at
Beaufort National Cemetery
1601 Boundary Street
Beaufort, SC 29902

Family and friends will gather to honor his life and to rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1
“Blessed are those who die in the Lord.” — Revelation 14:13

Though we grieve, we do so with hope, knowing that Jose A. Melendez Torres now rests in the peace and presence of our Lord.