Youngstown - There will be a Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial held on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Maron Church, 1555 S. Meridian, Rd., Youngstown, with Chorbishop Michael Kail and the Very Rev. Msgr. Anthony Spinosa officiating for Manuel "Lico" Mendez, 90, of Youngstown, who passed away peacefully at his residence early Friday morning, December 18, 2015. Manuel was born December 10, 1925 in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, the fifth child of Randolfo and Elena Mendez. Upon his parents' passing away at a young age, Manuel was raised by his aunt and uncle Emilo and Consuelo Brady and enjoyed playing baseball in their backyard. As a young adult, Manuel had a singing career before becoming a successful accountant in Santo Domingo. He married Juanita Leazard on December 24, 1955. The couple and their children had moved to Puerto Rico in 1969 after a short one-year stay in New York. After retiring in 1988 they settled in Youngstown to be with their daughters. Manuel was so proud of his daughters and grandchildren who were his most important priority. Manuel always had a passion for sports especially baseball and boxing. Other interests included history, politics, math, music and his original and delicious cooking which everyone will miss. He also enjoyed entertaining and socializing with his family and friends. Manuel's unique gift of making everyone feel welcome with his smile and joyful personality will be sorely missed by all. His wife of over 59 years passed away January 9, 2014. Manuel leaves behind to hold on to his precious memories two daughters Dr. Zoraida Mendez of Cleveland and Dr. Consuelo Mendez and her husband Dr. Mounir El Hayek of Canfield, and his six grandchildren who were the apple of his eye, Gabriel Stokes, Vincent, Alexander, Victoria, Eric and Nicole El Hayek. Besides his parents and wife, Manuel was preceded in death by his guardians and all his brothers and sisters. Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home 4700 Market St., Boardman, where the Prayers of Incense Prayer Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Family and friends may also pay respects on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. at St. Maron Church, 1555 S. Meridian Rd., Youngstown. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Austintown. Material contributions may be made in Manuel's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Mendez family.

Additional calling hours will be on Wednesday at St. Maron Church from 9:00 am until 9:50 am with the mass to begin at 10:00 am.