Manuel F. Melendez, 86, a resident of Millersville, died on December 6, 2011, at Assisted Living Well Compassionate Care in Millersville.

He was born on September 29, 1925 in Cuba and grew up in Panama. He came to the United States when he was 19 years old and joined the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War.

Manuel was employed with the Department of Defense as a Property Marketing Specialist, where he worked for over 30 years.

He travelled extensively with the U.S. Army and continued travelling with the Department of Defense. He spoke several languages and was a member of the American Legion.

Manuel was an awesome handyman. He was able to build or fix anything and did beautiful tile work and lots of home construction. It was his hobby and he loved doing it.

He enjoyed painting and loved to fish. He had a wonderful sense of humor.

Towards the end of his life, he was surrounded by pictures of his family, whom he loved dearly. He was a loving father and wonderful grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Aida Maria Melendez, who died on August 16, 2009.

He is survived by his daughters, Marlene Scott and Yvette Worgo, both of Severna Park, his son, Manuel Melendez of Great Mills, MD; four grandchildren; and his sisters; Lela, Anna, Dolores and Concha.A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Assisted Living Well Compassionate Care Nursing Home, 271 West Pasadena Road, Millersville, MD 21108. Interment will be private. Arrangements made by Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401 or at http://www.hospicechesapeake.org/ Online condolences may be made at http://www.barrancofuneralhome.com/