Spelter Has Lost Another Son: Louie Menendez, Shinnston

Ron Gonzalez · Post by **Ron Gonzalez** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 4:58 pm

Louie Menendez, 81, of Fleming Street, Shinnston, passed away at 8:15 a.m., Sunday, July 15, 2012, at his residence. He was born at Spelter January 15, 1931, a son of the late Jose Sabio and Mary Gutarrez Menendez. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Louise Cattaneo Menendez, whom he married October 12, 1957. Also surviving are two sons, Michael L. Menendez and his wife Shelley, Meadowbrook, Mark L. Menendez, Meadowbrook, three granddaughters, Brenna Menendez and her fiancé Josh Ramsey, Hepzibah, Sydni Menendez and Sierra Menendez and one great-granddaughter, Kinsley Ramsey, two brothers-in-law, Leonard Cattaneo, Meadowbrook and Harold Wilson, Tallmadge, Ohio. He was also preceded by six brothers, Leo, Jose, Angel, Jessie, Alfonso and Leonard Menendez and four sisters, Janice Miller, Josephine Wilson, Flora Porter and Ida Cain. Louie was a prominent local businessman and was the owner and operator of Louie Construction Company from 1979 until his retirement in 1993. He was honored as Businessman of the Year by the Small Business Administration. He formerly worked for M & H Zinc Company and Dupont at Spelter. After his retirement he helped his son Michael in his business, Industrial Rebuilders at Owings. Louie was a Korean veteran, serving with the United States Navy and a Vietnam veteran, serving with the United States Army, Green Berets. He was a member of the V.F.W. post #573, Clarksburg, the American Legion Post #31, Shinnston, the Spanish Club of Clarksburg and the All Saints Catholic Church, Bridgeport. Friends may call at the Perine Funeral Home, Rt. 19 south, Shinnston, from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday and from 1 p.m. until the time of the Rosary at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, which will conclude the visitation. Funeral services will be held at the Perine Funeral Home at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 19, with Father Tom Dagle officiating. Interment will follow in the Shinnston Masonic Cemetery, where full military graveside rite will be accorded. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.perinefunerals.com. The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Menendez Family.

Post by **Art** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:19 pm

Thanks, Ron.

When you get a moment, you might want to post some stories about Louie. Did he have a nickname? Was Louie in the AsturianUS documentary?

Ron Gonzalez · Post by **Ron Gonzalez** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:29 pm

Art, yes, he was in the documentary. I had a very good visit with him last week. He is the last of the original family. Louis is also in the photo album with Suronda and his two cousins.

Post by **Art** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:40 pm

Ah, yes, I remember Louie!

Appearing in the photo (from left) were Suronda González, with Louie Menendez, Joe "Bigote" Menendez, & Frank "Bucks" Menendez at the Pinnick Kinnick Hill book release party. (Joe & Frank are brothers, Louie is not related.) The photo was taken in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on July 19, 2003, at the Pinnick Kinnick Hill book release party.