S. Julian Menendez

Menendez, S. Julian, 71, who will always be remembered for his warm welcoming smile, quick wit and unfailing optimistic outlook, passed away unexpectedly in Tampa on Friday, February 24, 2017.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mercedes; his daughter Cristina and son-in-law Mario Riveron of Cary, NC; his son Dr. Julian R. Menendez and daughter-in-law Robyn of Tampa; and three grandchildren: Alyssa and Arianna Riveron and Charles Julian (CJ) Menendez. He is preceded in death by his parents Julian and Elida Menendez.
Julian immigrated from Havana when he was 15 and became a U.S. citizen in 1972. A graduate of Suffolk University in Boston, he earned a B.S. degree in engineering specializing in chemistry in 1970, and four years later received a master's degree in business administration.
His 35-plus year career in engineering, quality control and business development in Latin America gave him and his family the opportunity to live in several Florida cities, as well as Massachusetts, North Carolina and Arizona locations while he worked with companies such as: Gillete, General Electric, Honeywell (Interconics), Martin Marietta, Lockheed Martin and Motorola.
Visiting hours will be from 5 to 8 pm on Wednesday, March 1, at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. On Thursday, March 2, a 10 am funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., followed by interment at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4207 E. Lake Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Julian's name to either the National Parkinson Foundation, www.parkinson.org or The Michael J. Fox Foundation, www.michaeljfox.org.