Anibal Melguizo

Anibal Melguizo, 85, of Southwick, and formerly of Holyoke, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025 with his family by his side. He was born on June 17, 1939, in San Pablo, Colombia, to Celia Yepez Melguizo and Julio Melguizo.

In 1971, Anibal courageously decided to emigrate to the United States, leaving behind his beloved mother and 10 siblings, while carrying with him an enduring love for his Colombian heritage. Though he cherished his homeland deeply, he was immensely proud to become an American citizen. He settled in Holyoke with his wife and two daughters, building a life rooted in hard work and devotion to family. Anibal worked as a machine operator in the local textile industry of Holyoke, including Baystate Mills (later Mastex Industries), until his retirement.

Anibal enjoyed road trips and vacations to his beloved Colombia in his healthier years. He loved exploring flea markets for hidden treasures and found joy in simple pleasures like savoring his "cafecitos" and trying his luck with the lottery.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Ahydee Melguizo; his two daughters, Liliana Giusto and her husband, Paul, of Southwick and Alexandra Stevenson and her husband, Gregg, of West Springfield; and three treasured grandchildren: Nicholas Giusto and his wife Nicole Chin, Lucas Giusto and Ella Stevenson, who lovingly called him Abu or Abuelito. He also leaves seven siblings in Colombia: Guillermo, German, Jorge, Melania, Margarita, Dolly and Miryam. His parents and three brothers, Gilberto, Cesar, and Julio, predeceased him. All who knew him will deeply miss Anibal’s warmth, kindness and generosity. His memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration. Descansa en paz. Te amamos!

The funeral will be held on Thursday, January 9th at 10:00 am in Saint Patrick’s Chapel of Saint Jerome Church, 169 Hampden Street, Holyoke; please meet at the church. Burial will follow in Saint Thomas Cemetery in West Springfield. There are no calling hours. The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home in Holyoke is handling the services.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116-7023.

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