Jose Noel Soza Melendez

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Jose “Chepe” Noel Soza Melendez on May 21, 2025, at the age of 74. 

Born in Nicaragua, Chepe lived a life of always making time for family and living life as it was his last with those he loved. He migrated to California in the early 90s with the intention of building a better opportunity for his family. 

Chepe loved music and was the life of the party. He did not care who was in his presence as long as they could join him in this life we call a “Carnaval”. He would dance to any song that would lift his spirit and would continue to sing his heart out until his soul was satisfied. 

He was a great cook in the family – he devoted time and precision ensuring that his flavors would satisfy the palette of many. And when many bellies were full he was quietly pleased. He ensured that all in his presence was well fed and if you did not eat or want to eat, his famous line was always – “Comer Mierda”- jokingly of course. And one thing he loved to eat no matter the occasion was cake. If anyone knew him, he would not leave a party without a “pidazo de queque”. 

His favorite thing to do was to gamble, mainly go out to play bingo for hours on end. There were highs and lows to this game, but nonetheless, this was what he enjoyed with his sisters and friends. And with every big win, Chepe would share among his family. 

Chepe was a family man. He was always with family no matter where he was. He made time to come out to any family function and made sure he was properly dressed for any occasions. One thing he embedded in his daughters at a young age was to always be properly dressed and “peinada” for any occasion. 

Chepe loved being surrounded by family. He spent his whole life with his sisters and family going out to eat, play bingo, partying, or, like he would say at times when he wanted to pass the time, “me voy a pasar”. 

Chepe is lovingly remembered by his family: his wife, Maritiza, his daughters, Maria Gabriela, Maria Jose, Maria Noelia and Blanca. As well as his 14 grandchildren, Desiree, Brianna, Carlos, Jasmine, Jocelyn, Havok, Anthony, Paul, Julian, Aileen, Reyna, Tatiana, Antonio, and Karoline. And by his close relatives and friends who became extended family. He is now joined in spirit by his other daughter, Maria Lourdes Soza, who awaited his return home.

Chepe’s unconditional love, humor and his love of life will be deeply missed, treasured and remembered. 

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Con profundo pesar, compartimos el fallecimiento de José “Chepe” Noel Soza Meléndez el 21 de mayo de 2025, a la edad de 74 años.

Nacido en Nicaragua, Chepe vivió una vida dedicada a su familia y a vivir la vida como si fuera el último día junto a sus seres queridos. Emigró a California a principios de los 90 con la intención de construir una mejor oportunidad para su familia.

A Chepe le encantaba la música y era el alma de la fiesta. No le importaba quién estuviera a su lado, siempre y cuando pudieran acompañarlo en esta vida que llamamos “Carnaval”. Bailaba cualquier canción que le levantara el ánimo y cantaba con todo su corazón hasta saciarse.

Era el gran cocinero de la familia: dedicaba tiempo y cariño para que sus sabores satisficieran el paladar de muchos. Y cuando lo hacía, él se sentía silenciosamente complacido.  Siempre se aseguraba de que todos a su alrededor estuvieran bien alimentados, y si alguien no comía o quería comer, su famosa frase siempre era: “Come Mierda”, en broma, por supuesto. El pastelsiempre fue su postre favorito. Si alguien lo conocía sabe que no se iba de una fiesta sin un “pedazo de pastel”.

Su pasatiempo favorito era apostar, principalmente salir a jugar bingo durante horas. Este juego tenía sus altibajos, pero aun así, era lo que disfrutaba con sus hermanas y amigos. Y cada gran victoria, Chepe la compartía con su familia.

Chepe era un hombre de familia. Siempre estaba con ellos y para ellos. Se daba tiempo para asistir a cualquier evento familiar y se aseguraba de ir bien vestido para cualquier ocasión. Algo que incluso enseño a sus hijas.

A Chepe le encantaba estar rodeado de su familia. Con sus hermanas y sus respectivas familias. saliendo a comer, jugando bingo, de fiesta o como el decia, “me voy a pasar”.

Chepe siempre sera recordado con cariño por su familia: su esposa, Maritiza, sus hijas, María Gabriela, María José, María Noelia y Blanca. Así como por sus 14 nietos: Desiree, Brianna, Carlos, Jasmine, Jocelyn, Havok, Anthony, Paul, Julián, Aileen, Reyna, Tatiana, Antonio y Karoline. Y por sus familiares y amigos cercanos, que se convirtieron en una familia extendida. Ahora acompañado de su hija, María Lourdes Soza. Gozando de la grandeza de Dios.

El amor incondicional de Chepe, su humor y su amor por la familia y la vida serán profundamente extrañados, atesorados y recordados.