Armando Mejia

Armando is survived by his beautiful wife of almost 23 years, Bernadette, and their three beautiful daughters, Elysia, Marissa (19 years old) and Jessica (14 years old), his furry pal Buddy, his loving parents Jesus and Herlinda Mejia, older sister Angelica (Pedro), younger brother Jesus (Siliva), loving mother and father in laws Carlos and Gracie Celis, and his two loving brother in laws Carlos (Eve) and Gabriel Celis, and several nieces and nephews.

Armando was born on May 3, 1971 in Riverside, CA to Jesus and Herlinda Mejia. He graduated from Ramona High School in 1989 where he played football and soccer. He worked at FedEx in the 1990s before embarking on his career in education. Armando married his beautiful bride, Bernadette in August 2000. During that time, he began going to school at Riverside Community College and later transferred and graduated from Cal State San Bernardino in 2003 where he earned his B.A. in Sociology and later his M.A. in Education from National University. Over six years, the couple welcomed their three incredible daughters into their home. Armando taught during this time as a history teacher at Curtis Middle School for almost 16 years while coaching softball and soccer. He also coached softball at Cajon High School and Rodriguez Prep. In 2022, Armando became a school counselor, after receiving his P.P.S. from Cal State San Bernardino, at Rodriguez Prep where he made further connections and shared his love of education and working with students. He was an incredible educator who loved his students, his staff, and truly touched the hearts of every person he met.

Armando loved his wife and girls to no end. He loved his family and friends with every inch of his heart. A true and through, cardinal and gold USC fan, and a college football fanatic. Camping, walking at least 20,000 steps per day with his dog, disc golf, and grill master were just a few of his passions. He was a leading figure in the lives of all of his family, friends, coworkers, all those who met him, and in his community. His unselfish compassion for others, contagious laugh, funny dad jokes, little dances and sarcastic but warm ways will forever be missed, but forever in our hearts. He left an everlasting impact on all of us.

A celebration of his life will begin Friday, 6 p.m. on June 16th as a viewing at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary. Services are scheduled for Saturday, 10 a.m. on June 17th at Harvest Christian Fellowship. The Friday celebration, “Everybody Loves Mando”, will include a sharing of stories and memories. A funny “Mando style” outfit is encouraged on Friday which includes a funny T-shirt, camo, or USC gear.

A memorial fund will be created to establish a scholarship in Armando's name for two students where Armando worked; one at Curtis Middle School and one Rodriguez Prep Academy in San Bernardino City School District. In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations toward the fund are appreciated. More information to follow once the account is in place.