Jose Menendez

Jose M. Menendez, 88, passed away on November7, 2018. Born on November 29, 1929 in Ybor City, Florida. Jose was born to Marie Luisa Paiz of Cuba and Gervasio Menendez of Spain. Jose started in the Merchant Marines traveling to Asia and returning to the Army, Company C, 1st Battalion 13 Infantry Unit. Jose then spent 20 years working for Hillsborough County School Board as a Maintenance Foreman Supervisor before retiring. Jose would marry the love of his life Lucrecia Miriam Fernandez and they would be married for 55 years. Jose was a great family man who was always there to help his family and everyone and could always be counted on. Jose loved sports especially football and baseball which he helped coach a youth league in his younger days and was a diehard Buccaneers fan. Jose was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors. Jose will be remembered most for his strong fighting spirit and his loyalty for always being there for everyone.

Jose is survived by his daughter Miriam Correa, son-in-law Roger Correa, sister Zaida Pelaez and brother-in-law Julio Pelaez, grandchildren Rachel (David) Rivera, Alberic (Anita) Correa, Peter (Pamela) Fontanez, great grandchildren Anthony Reeves, Samantha (Daniel) Diaz, Destiny (Eric) Diaz, Jasmine Rivera, Anaiza, Elijah, & Sarai Correa, Israel & Isabel Fontanez, 1 great great grandchild Sofia Ramirez and multiple nephews and nieces. Jose’s Viewing services will be held on November 15 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Gonzalez Funeral Home on 7209 N. Dale Mabry and funeral services will be held on November 16 at 11:00 AM also at Gonzalez Funeral home to Centro Austuriano Cemetery.