Ismael Casillas Melendez

Ismael Casillas Melendez, 63, passed away on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 at home in Columbus, Ohio. He was born on September 20th, 1960 to Luis Casillas Silva and Angela Melendez Muñoz in Caguas, Puerto Rico. He met his wife Janice while they worked together at the Conservatory of Piano, and they married in 1989. Ismael came to Ohio in 1985 to study at THE Ohio State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. His connection to Ohio State was very deep, and he loved spending his Saturdays in the fall watching football and attending games. He spent his work life primarily as a network engineer, and worked at Schooley Caldwell, R.G. Barry, Health Power, and Sterling Commerce. At Sterling, he was often called “Izzy” by his coworkers who he always made sure bought Girl Scout cookies from his daughter, Carmen. He loved his family, friends, and neighbors and was always the life of any party he attended, bringing piña coladas, coquito, chicken wings, or a pork roast he made in his smoker. He was incredibly proud of his daughter and his nieces and nephews who he always made sure to stay in contact with via text messages and phone calls. Ismael loved to laugh and had a story for every moment, remembering the small details that really made everyone listen and laugh along with him. He loved spending time talking with his neighbors, especially while gardening or playing salsa and merengue music from his garage. He returned to Puerto Rico whenever he could, and maintained deep friendships with both childhood friends and his “Buckeye Boricuas,” friends from Ohio State who shared his homeland. While his health was a difficult obstacle throughout his adult life, his character and zest for life never failed him. His family is grateful to all the doctors, nurses, specialists, and members of his care team in Ohio and Texas who gave him so many years to spend with those he loved and who loved him. He is survived by his wife, Janice, his daughter, Carmen, his nieces and nephews—Marien, Alberto Javier, Jeshua, April, Lindsey (Keith), Matt (Kaytea)—and many members of his family and community who loved him. Que Dios te bendiga. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to either The Dr. Marjorie Joseph Cram Chema Scholarship Fund (641227) for students from Puerto Rico or The OSU Medical Center Adult Congenital Heart Disease Programs and Services Fund (312625) at The Ohio State University by visiting giveto.osu.edu or calling 614-292-2281. Visitation will be Sunday, January 14th, 2024 from 2 PM to 5 PM at Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, OH 43065. A funeral service will be held Monday January 15th, 2024 at 11 AM at Linworth United Methodist Church, 7070 Bent Tree Blvd., Columbus, OH 43235. Ismael’s funeral service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at the following link. Please select the “Live” tab from the webpage below. https://www.youtube.com/@LinworthOnline

Ismael Casillas Melendez

September 20, 1960 - January 10, 2024