The family of Joe Mendoza, Jr. asks you to celebrate his wonderful life. Joe went to be with our Lord on Monday, January 25, 2021 at the age of 92, quickly following the passing of the love of his life, his wife Mary.
Born on December 20, 1928 to José and María Mendoza, one of six children, he grew up in the Magnolia Park area of Houston. It was in this neighborhood that Joe first met his wife Mary, a childhood acquaintance, they attended the same schools and graduated from Milby High School in 1948 and 1947 respectively. After being high school sweethearts, their extended courtship culminated in marriage on July 13, 1952 while Joe was still in the Army and thus launched a 68-year marriage full of love. They raised eight children and instilled in them the values of faith, loyalty, devotion, education, and self-sufficiency. They were active parishioners at Resurrection and St. Andrew’s Catholic Churches for six decades, participating in various activities such as a reader at mass, Eucharistic minister, singing in the choir, and working at the church bazaars.
A proud veteran who served in the Army during the Korean War, Joe was an original gentleman, one who opened doors for you, listened carefully, sat with you in silence, or even humbly beat you at checkers. His family benefitted from his commitment to education, sending all eight of his children to parochial schools and encouraging them to pursue higher education. He had a love for driving, taking his family on many a road trip near and far. He spent his life working for those he loved. Though he had held many jobs as a youth, he spent his entire adult career working at Baroid NL Industries. He was a founding member of the Resurrection Federal Credit Union where he was able to assist many in the Denver Harbor community with their financial needs. He didn’t dwell on material things but appreciated all of the blessings he had in his life, a loving familia, opportunities to travel, or even an Astros or Texans win! His devotion to community, strong sense of responsibility, and selfless love left a legacy of deeper and fuller love within the Mendoza family. As a devout Catholic he was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 62 years. He was predeceased by his siblings Margaret Morales, Juan Mendoza, Jesse Mendoza, and Adelaida Mendoza, and he is survived by his brother Robert Mendoza.
Joe will be lovingly remembered by his 8 children: Rosemary Sepulveda (Jaime Sepulveda), Mary Ann Rosas, Robert Mendoza (Diane Mendoza), Beatrice Licea, Margie Cortinas, Louis Mendoza (Angélica Afanador Pujol), Cynthia Castillo (Robert Castillo), Gilda Mendoza (Kuno Trostmann III); 18 Grandchildren, 16 Great-Grandchildren, as well as numerous relatives and friends.
Visitation will be at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, Texas 77023, on March 4, 2021 from 5:00-9:00 PM with a rosary at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on March 5, 2021 at St. Theresa Church, 6622 Haskell Street, Houston, Texas 77007 at 10:00 AM. A celebration of life will be held in the future when we can embrace one another and dance in his honor.
La muerte es una vida vivida and did they live it to the fullest! The expressions of love and support we have received from family and friends mirror their love for others. Thanks to Joe and Mary Mendoza, we too love selflessly and well. We will always carry their spirit within us.
In lieu of flowers, Joe asked that you consider donating to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Saint Andrew Catholic Church (make checks payable to SVDP and mail to) 827 Sheldon Road, Channelview, Texas 77530.
Services will be live streamed at https://sttheresa.cc/funeralstream
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