Melinda Aiello Obituary (1952 - 2025)

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Melinda Aiello, fondly known as Linda, on January 05, 2025. Born on July 19, 1952, in Ogden, UT, Melinda moved back to her birthplace after spending many years in New York, only to fall in love with her hometown all over again. Her warm presence and radiant smile never failed to light up any room she entered. A compassionate soul with an empathetic heart, Melinda lived a life dedicated to her family, friends, and service to others. In her professional life, Melinda was a humble and hardworking woman, smart enough to understand the needs of her customers while working at YCC-Thrift. Her customers always appreciated her warmth and her ability to make them feel special. Outside her work, Melinda indulged in a variety of hobbies. She was a whiz at board games and loved cooking, playing cards, and watching Judge Judy. Her love for puzzles was a metaphor for her approach to life, always ready to piece things together and to solve any problem that came her way. A member of El Comite-Social Justice in New York, she was a champion of fairness and equality. She attended the protests against the Vietnam War. Her crowning achievement was being the High School Swimming Champion in New York, a testament to her tenacity and spirit. Melinda’s faith was an important part of her life, as she was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Melinda truly embodied Catholic teachings through her actions and deeds. She was a beacon of love and understanding, always there to offer support and comfort to those around her. Above everything, what mattered most to Melinda was her family. She was a loving mother to Matthew Oquendo, Lucie Aiello, and Martha Aiello who survives her. She is also survived by her siblings, Fernando Mercado Jr., Robert A. Martinez, Selinda Mercado, and Sarita Hernandez. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fernando Mercado-Hernandez and Edith Martinez, her brothers Jose M. Hernandez and Fernando Hernandez. Melinda’s departure leaves a void that can never be filled. Her family and friends will deeply miss her compassionate spirit, empathetic nature, and humble demeanor. As we bid farewell to our beloved Melinda, we encourage you to share your precious memories of her on the memorial page. Your heartfelt stories, comments, and photos will serve as a comforting reminder of the beautiful soul we were so fortunate to have in our lives. May her memory be a blessing and her legacy continue to inspire us all. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to cover funeral expenses