Role Politician Name Anibal Rivera | Occupation Politician Spouse(s) Diana Mendez | |
 | ||
Political party New Progressive Party (PNP) Children GraceDianaJose AnibalAnibal Party New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico Education Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, University of Puerto Rico at Humacao | ||
Preceded by Alfredo Lopez Cabrera | ||
Aníbal Meléndez Rivera (born February 11, 1948 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico) is a Puerto Rican politician and current mayor of Fajardo.
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Early years and studies
Aníbal Meléndez Rivera was born on February 11, 1948 in Naguabo, Puerto Rico. His parents are Luis Meléndez and Angélica Rivera. He grew at Barrio Daguao in Naguabo, where he also studied. He graduated from the Rafael Rocca High School of Naguabo.
In 1965, Meléndez enrolled at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao. He received his Bachelor's degree in 1969, and then completed a Master's in Business Administration.
Sports career
Since his youth, Meléndez distinguished himself as an athlete, specifically in baseball and track and field. He played Class A and Double AA baseball, the latter with Cataño. In later years, he was involved with the Cariduros de Fajardo team in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional league, serving as sports commentator for 18 years, and also as owner of the team.
Professional career
Meléndez worked as a college professor at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico Fajardo Campus, with the Business Administration faculty. He also occupied several administrative positions with the Government of Puerto Rico.
Political career
Meléndez was first elected as mayor of Fajardo at the 1988 general elections. After that, he has been reelected on seven consecutive terms (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012). For the 2008 general elections, Meléndez received more than 70% of the votes. His margin of victory was the second largest, after Aníbal Vega Borges of Toa Baja.
Personal life
Meléndez met his future wife, Diana Méndez, while in college. They have three children together: Grace, Diana, and José Aníbal. The latter served as Sergeant at Arms of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives until resigning March 2011.