Memorial bench honors Korean War veteran Melendez

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y.—A new memorial bench at The Veteran Memorials Circle, set just behind the Korean War monument, honors the life and legacy of Arthur Melendez—a Korean War veteran, longtime Yorktown resident, and dedicated community volunteer who died on Nov. 9, 2023, at the age of 92.

Born on June 16, 1931, in the Bronx to Arthur and Ada Melendez, Arthur (Arty) Enrico Melendez grew up alongside his older brother, Pasquale (who died in 2008), and served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from January 1952 to November 1953. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Josephine Tamburello, in 1954.

Together, they raised three children—Virginia, Joanne, and Arthur—and later welcomed seven grandchildren. Deeply committed to education, the Melendez family gave back to their community in countless ways, including starting a library at Our Lady of Solace grammar school and other donations to support students. Sadly, Josephine passed away in 1999.

Melendez spent more than 30 years at Perma-Wire, a display company, where he served as superintendent of operations. He moved to Jefferson Village in 1994 to be closer to family and remained active in community life—volunteering regularly and caring for the local gardens he loved. In 2008, he was inducted into the Westchester County Senior Citizen Hall of Fame and recognized the following year at a ceremony at Yorktown Town Hall. His name remains engraved on the county’s commemorative plaque.

Melendez's daughter, Joanne Napolitano, said her father’s core values were honesty, integrity, courage, generosity, and respect. Loyalty and love for his family were above all else.

He rooted hard for his hometown Yankees and Rangers, and found excitement in bowling, fishing, card playing, and music. He loved family barbecues; ribs were his specialty.

Melendez was everything to his loved ones, and Napolitano said she and her family are “grateful” for all the memories they have of and with him.

“Although we all feel a deep sense of grief and sadness, we know he lived a fulfilling life until the age of 92 and a half, surrounded by a caring and loving family and great group of friends,” Napolitano said. “He led others by his strong mentorship and we all felt blessed for all the positive memories and the journey he had.

“It didn't matter how long we had him, it still wasn't enough, and we will always miss his smile," she added. "The genuine happiness of having him around was what made him an amazing dad.”

Napolitano and her siblings find some peace knowing her parents are together again.

“We weren't ready to lose him, but maybe God needed a special hero like him to be our guardian angel,” she said.

Melendez was proud of his military service, and his children hope the bench will encourage people to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who serve their country—as well as the selflessness of their father and so many others.

“We wanted his legacy to live forever in the community, and as a donation, we dedicated this inscribed bench in the Veteran Memorials Circle,” she said, adding that it’s “among the first benches installed for heroes. We hope many see this as a resting place and admire those heroes who served our country proudly.”