Juan Mendoza

June 30, 1953 – April 26, 2011

Juan Mendoza, born June 30, 1953, passed away April 26, 2011 in Merced, California. He was 57 years old.

Juan will be remembered by those who loved him for his ability to make people laugh. It brought him great joy to spend time with his grandchildren, gardening, traveling, watching western movies and most of all spending time with his family. In the late 1980’s, Juan was in a band called “El Primo”. In the summer of 1988 they were the opening band for Selena y los Dinos at the Merced County Fairgrounds. As a musician he loved playing classic rock, and the drums. Also detailing cars and fishing was a part of what brought joy to his life. Juan was a native of Texas, but lived in Merced for 32 years. He owned his own mechanic business for 20 years.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Cristobal and Josefina Mendoza, a grandson Carlos Chavez Jr. and a granddaughter Miranda V. Maldonado. He is survived by his loving wife Vivian Mendoza of Merced, California, children; Estella Mendoza, Johnny and Janie Mendoza, Luke and Leslie Fenton, Teresa Mendoza, and William Saenz and Viviana Mendoza.

He leaves behind brothers, Sergio, Cesar and Cristobal Jr. Mendoza; and sisters Elia, Irma, Rosalinda and Diana Mendoza.

He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Lisette, Irene, Alize, Jesse, Larissa, Isabel, Julian, Johnny-Angel and Layla.

The visitation will be Sunday, May 1, 2011, from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. The Rosary will be held on Monday, May 2, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Merced, with the Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery following the funeral.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.