George as he was better known as is survived by his wife of 22 years Joanne R. Melendez, 3 sons Emilio Melendez, Anthony Melendez, wife Stella Melendez, Giovanni Melendez, stepdaughter Tracy Estrada. Grandchildren, Christopher, Desiree, Destiny, Delilah, Drianna and Amelie. Great grandchildren, Christopher Jr., Jacob, Breanna, Ayla, Nicholas, Nathan, Jayden, Isabella, Donivan, Dorianna, Atianna, Devin and Dahlia.
George is proceeded in death by his mother Canuta “Lola” Espinoza, stepfather Ramon Espinoza, brother Ramon “Harpo” Espinoza Jr., sister-in-law Sarah Espinoza, Mother-in-law Vera Robles, brother-in-law Rodney Robles.
George will be deeply missed. In George’s early days you could find him at the gym, jogging, enjoying a good movie, working on his yard, in the mountains chopping down trees for his roaring winter fires, cooking, at the grill for a Bar B Que, or planning a trip with his ladies, his wife Jo and mother-in-law Vera Robles. George loved being with family, prior to his mothers passing he would love to go to his moms for an authentic homemade Mexican breakfast, and the best homemade salsa or making George his favorite foods, Chile relleno, refried beans extra refried like only she could make and her famous macaroni casserole. How Momma Lola loved to cook for George and be spoiled and showered with love. George loved his Momma Lola; she was his heart. George loved being with family, if it was a Birthday party, baptism, B.B.Q or just a quick visit, you would find George laughing with his nieces and nephews, talking about football and lawn equipment with his brother in laws or being doted on by his sister in laws, as they would call him Poor George, that was a inside joke between them! George was so very loved by his twin sisters Liz and Isabelle. George lived with Liz in Madera for a time and had a strong bond with Liz and her children Little Al, Cindy and Lori. Isabel was the matchmaker that brought George and I together, and we were together for the last 36 years. Jesse is George’s younger brother, although they did not spend much time together, he loved his brother and his sister-in-law Sarah.
George’s greatest past time was being a ‘Papa’ to his ‘Monkey’ granddaughter Amelie, always picking her flowers, sharing ice cream, donuts, soggy toast dipped in his cereal and watching Tom and Jerry. George brought smiles and laughs to all that knew him even when he was being a grump.
We want to remember the good times, so let’s celebrate his life and honor his memory.
