WORCESTER__Jovanni Jose Melendez, 10, of Worcester, died Saturday, August 1, 2009 in UMass Medical Center University Campus. He leaves his mother, Larisa Andujar of Worcester and his step-father, Bryan Turner; his maternal grandmother, Cheryl Andujar; paternal grandparents, Butch and Esther Hazzard; a brother Damanni Turner, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Edwin Andujar.
Jovanni was born in Worcester and just completed third grade at Goddard School. He was a happy boy who enjoyed karate, playing video games and being outside playing with his many friends.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2009, at 12 p.m. in DIRSA MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St., Worcester. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jovanni Jose Melendez Trust, c/o Webster Five Bank, 349 Grafton St., Worcester, MA 01604. A benefit in Jovanni’s name will be held on Friday, August 14, 2009, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion Main South Post, 1023 Main St., Worcester, MA