Luis E. Melendez, 55, of Bethlehem Township, died on February 19, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital Anderson Campus. He was the husband of Jodi Eddinger. Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, he was a son of Justino and Carmen D. (Marrero) Melendez of Bethlehem.

He was in the U.S. Navy and Reserves for 18 years.

He was a graduate of Freedom HS and Kutztown University.

He worked in the trucking industry in the fuel sector for the past 23 years for Dalton Delivery Service, Allentown, in many capacities. He rode a Harley Fat Bob “Ellie”.

In addition to his parents and wife, he is survived by a son, Justin L. (Kayla) R. Melendez of West Bend, Wisconson; a sister, Sonia N. (Mark) Rex of Easton; a brother, Wilfred (Ana) Melendez of Allentown; seven grandchildren, Charlotte, Colton, Carter, Sawyer, Presley, Hunter and Corbin; and nieces and nephews, Steven, Chelsey, Jessica, Richard, Evan, Nicholas, Shyna and Jose.

Contributions may be made to Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors Inc., 1013 Mumma Road, Suite 203, Wormleysburg, PA 17043 or by visiting www.pawoundedwarriors.org or Mastiffs to Mutts Rescue, P.O. Box 754, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or www.mastiffstomutts.org

Arrangements were made by Connell Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.