Pedro I. "Peter" Melendez, Jr., 37, of Lancaster went home to be among the angels on Friday, May 17, 2013. He died in the arms of his loving, devoted wife, and was surrounded by family at Hospice & Community Care, Mt Joy. He was the husband of Jennifer L. (Duncan) Melendez, they were blessed to have had 11 wonderful years together and would have celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary on October 18 ^th . Peter was also the loving father of Anthony I. and Nuna Melendez.

He was born August 20, 1975 in Lancaster to Judith "Judy" Ortega and Pedro I. Melendez, Sr. both of Lancaster. Peter graduated from McCaskey High School in 1993 and went onto work at Dart Container in Leola for 15 years as a maintenance mechanic. Peter's interests included watching Dallas Cowboys football, Formula One Racing, and soccer. His greatest joy in life was being a husband and a daddy to his miracle son Anthony, who gave him the strength and determination to fight a long courageous battle against stomach cancer.

Peter is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Grace Ortega, 3 sisters, Miriam, wife of Aaron Swinton, Letty, Dinah and a brother, Alpachite "Tito" Melendez along with a host of nieces, nephews, and Ortega and Duncan family members.

His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends of whom Peter had touched in some way throughout his short, yet very memorable life. We want to thank all those who have supported Peter and continue to support his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11AM on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St, Lancaster, PA with Msgr. Thomas H. Smith as Celebrant. A viewing will be held at the church on Wednesday from 9-11AM. Interment in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Melendez Family Fundraiser, c/o PO Box 1232, Lancaster PA 17608-1232. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100