Sigfredo Melendez Nelson

Sigfredo "Freddy the Barber" Meléndez Nelson, 74, of New Haven, CT died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 with his loving family by his side, and following a courageous battle with stage 3 stomach cancer. He was the beloved husband of seventeen years to Emma Rosalina Carrasco. Freddy was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico on August 19, 1951, a son of the late Manuel Meléndez and the late Carmen Nelson and was a lifelong New Haven resident.
Freddy was diagnosed with stomach cancer earlier this year, and yet very few of his loved ones knew about his diagnosis or his challenges, as he was the kind person who rarely shared his own hardships and chose instead to uplift the spirits of everyone around him. Though he began to recover following his surgery in March, the cancer returned in a much more aggressive form. When Freddy was diagnosed with terminal cancer in early October, he decided to surrender himself to God's will. He chose to live the rest of his days in his home with his loved ones, and asked God to grant him peace. Freddy was surrounded by his family and close friends during his final weeks, and he was guided by his faith and devotion to family and God. Freddy always believed God would lift him once again, and heal him from cancer. His faith remained strong until the very end.
Freddy was a long-time self employed barber who loved his community, and was deeply loved by friends and family in Connecticut, Boston, Florida, California and Puerto Rico. His loved ones continue to encounter folks in the community who grew up with Freddy, and speak highly of him. He was considered family for so many people from a variety of communities. Everywhere he went, he tried to make people at ease, regardless of their challenges or battles.
Freddy will be remembered for his reassuring words, full of determination and care for his loved ones. To anyone dealing with hardship, he'd remind them, "Smile, God loves you!" ("¡Sonríe que Cristo te ama!"), and "Take it easy, there's still life to live!" ("¡Cogélo suave, hay vida!") He loved to play dominos and shoot pool, listen to salsa and gospel music, eat good food, and hanging out with his closest friends. He never missed a Puerto Rican Day Parade, and he loved to celebrate his culture. No matter where he went, he dressed with style and carried a big contagious smile.
In addition to his beloved wife Emma, Freddy is survived by four daughters, Blanca "Sheila" Mejia of Boston, MA, Jessica (Tony) Sánchez and Vanessa Suarez of New Haven and Karim (Fabián Calle) Calle-Suarez of Las Vegas, NV, six sons, Ezequias Meléndez and Misael Meléndez of Boston, Freddy (Soraida) Meléndez of Hamden, Osmar Meléndez of Florida, and Dennis and Rafael Suarez of East Haven, two sisters, Elizabeth (Ronald) González of Yorba Linda, CA and Jacqueline Guerra-Taylor of Fullerton, CA, one brother, Osmar (Jennifer) Guerra, Jr. of Santa Ana, CA, and many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Enrique Meléndez.
Family and friends are raising funds to give Freddy the funeral service he requested and deserves. All donations will go towards funeral costs through the funeral home and his church. Freddy wanted his service to take place at his beloved church, Communidad Cristiana de Restauración a las Naciones (CCRN), 43 Jones Rd., Hamden. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help alleviate the financial strain and allow his family and friends to focus on grieving and remembering him fondly.
Freddy's family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, November 15th at CCRN from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted during visitation time. Burial will be private. The Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven has been entrusted with arrangements. www.washingtonmemorialfh.com
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