José Menendez was born in Havana, Cuba. His family emigrated to the United States to escape political turmoil when he was a young boy. They initially settled in Pennsylvania, where José pursued his education. He was known for his hardworking nature and strong ambition, traits that helped him succeed in his career later on.
| Full Name | José Antonio Menendez |
| Date of Birth | June 11, 1954 |
| Place of Birth | Havana, Cuba |
| Date of Death | August 20, 1989 |
| Place of Death | Beverly Hills, California, USA |
| Age at Death | 45 years |
| Nationality | Cuban-American |
| Education | Southern Illinois University |
| Occupation | Entertainment Executive |
| Spouse | Mary Louise “Kitty” Andersen |
| Children | Lyle Menendez, Erik Menendez |
| Known For | High-profile murder case |
| Net Worth | Approximately $14 million (at time of death) |
Education
José Menendez attended Southern Illinois University, where he completed his bachelor’s degree. He later earned a master’s degree in business administration, which paved the way for his career in the entertainment industry.
Career
José Menendez was a successful business executive in the entertainment industry. He began his career at the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), and later moved to RCA Records, where he became an executive vice president. During his tenure at RCA, he played a significant role in signing and developing several successful music artists. Eventually, he joined International Video Entertainment (IVE) as a top executive, helping the company grow and diversify its business.
Personal Life
José Menendez married Mary Louise “Kitty” Andersen, a former schoolteacher, in 1963. The couple had two sons, Lyle and Erik. The Menendez family was known for their affluent lifestyle, living in upscale neighborhoods in New Jersey and later in Beverly Hills, California.
Despite their success and public image, the Menendez family was plagued by internal issues, including allegations of abuse and strained relationships. These problems culminated in the tragic murder of José and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills home on August 20, 1989. Their sons, Lyle and Erik Menendez, were later convicted of the murders in a high-profile case that drew widespread media attention.
Tragic End
On August 20, 1989, José and his wife Kitty Menendez were brutally murdered in their Beverly Hills home. The case became infamous after their two sons, Lyle and Erik Menendez, were charged and later convicted of the murders, claiming years of parental abuse as their motive.
