Miguel Melendez

Miguel Melendez had such generosity of spirit that you'd hardly ever leave a conversation without hearing him tell you with a warm smile to "Have a good one!" Ever an extrovert, Miguel seemed to make friends wherever he went and made sure people felt welcome. 

He was born in Germany to Ron and Luisa Melendez and had one sister, Maria Pihlaja. As the son of an Air Force veteran, he traveled often and eventually landed in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A brilliant man, he graduated from UNM with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and went on to work for Intel and NASA before the age of 25. Through his lifelong best friend, John Giersch, he met his wife of 27 years, Teresa Melendez. Following their first date on a hot air balloon ride and going two-step country dancing, they fell in love and married, and he became the father of Carli and Chelsea Marshall. Miguel was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993 and began the long journey of navigating this illness, always with courage and grace. He continued to engage in all that life had to offer, never missing a Super Bowl, dancing with his wife, vacationing around the country with his family, and working as a jovial greeter at the Home Depot for years. Miguel loved sticky barbecue meals, 80's hair metal, football, action movies, a clean shave, a good laugh, and a stack of napkins at the ready at all times - after all, his favorite sport was a buffet-style restaurant. 

He died peacefully on February 17, 2025, amongst family, friends, and fellow residents, and dedicated staff at Albuquerque Heights Rehabilitation Center. He was devoutly Catholic and is now with the Lord. Miguel's memory will be cherished, encouraging gratitude, love, and joy. He will be missed.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5310 Claremont Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, with a reception to follow.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate professionals at

Trujillo Family Funeral Home

“Our Family Serving Yours”