Manuel Julian Mendoza

Manuel Julian Mendoza of Bulverde, Texas tragically passed away on Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 at the age of 20 years young. He was born on June 29th, 2004 to Stefanie Duran and Manuel R. Mendoza in San Jose, California.

Manuel is survived by his Parents: Stefanie and Manuel, his six siblings: Amaiya (18), Josiah (15), Celine (11), Ace (7), Koa (4), and Gia (1). He is also survived by:

Great Grandparents John & Theresa Duran

Grandmother Gloria Mendoza, Grandmother Olivia Rocha, Grandparents Johnny & Christina Duran.

Uncle(s): Vincent, Jasper, & Andrew Barrera, Noah & John Duran.

Great Uncle(s): Dario, Ralph, Robert, David, & Paul Mendoza.

Aunt(s): Chriseana Viray & Sonja, Mariah, Carmen & Ruby Duran.

Great Aunt(s): Kathy Duran, Lucy Ramos, Nellie Salazar, Mary Sanchez, Martha Fiattarone, Isabel Halverson, & Anna Guardado.

An abundance of Cousins, Great Aunts, & Great Uncles.

Manuel is preceded in death by his Great Grandparents Dario & Isabel Mendoza, Great Uncle Gabriel Mendoza, and Great Aunt Lorraine Duran Hernandez.

Manuel graduated from Smithson Valley High School in May of 2022. He immediately began working in the fast food industry, such as, Popeye’s, McDonalds, and Round Table Pizza. He then moved briefly back home to San Jose, CA where he worked a short period of time at Bass Pro Shop. Upon Manuel’s return home to Bulverde, he resumed working in San Antonio where his last place of employment was at the JW Marriot San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. Over the years, Manuel touched so many of his work colleagues lives with his humor, kind heartedness, and friendship. He was truly one of the most genuine souls anyone could have ever met.

Manuel lived for the gym, good food, his family, and his friends. He enjoyed getting a good “pump” at the gym with his sister Amaiya, brother Josiah, best friend Josh, and his “Gym Buddies”. He took pride in his appearance and loved getting dressed up. When he was not at work, at the gym or with friends, he could be found at home with his family. Manuel was the type to pick up the phone and call you. His childlike playfulness and sense of humor was so genuine and pure. His laugh was infectious, his pranks were epic, he knew how to take a joke, but, he also knew how to take life serious when needed.

At a very young age, Manuel held a passion for football, basketball, baseball and UFC. He would watch sports center before bed every night as a toddler. He could strike up a conversation about current sports events with anyone. Growing up, he played Football, Basketball, and Baseball as a pitcher. Manuel loved his Dad’s BBQ, his Mom’s homemade cooking, chicken wings, and al pastor tacos.

Manuel loved whole heartedly and deeply. He never held grudges and would always find in his heart forgiveness for others, and preached to his family and friends to love one another. Over the past two years, Manuel became close to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and accepted him in his heart. Manuel would call his Nana Gloria, and Grandparents Theresa, John, and Olivia to talk about the Lord weekly. Manuel would regularly study devotionals and elaborate on them to his Grandparent’s and would always seek better understanding of the word of God. Before his tragic passing, he had plans to join the US Airforce this coming winter.

Manuel’s young adult life had just started. Manuel’s absence in our lives will be a void, as we do not know yet how to navigate or repair. It is only through our divine faith, and beliefs that we are sustained, knowing one day we will see him again. We will forever miss everything about our big Tho-Tho – from his laugh, his humor, his smile, his deep animated voice, and childlike spirit. We find peace and comfort in the Lord’s promise that one day we will be reunited with Manuel’s spirit in heaven. We love you son, please protect us from up there. Until we meet again our sweet boy, may God keep you in his loving embrace.

A public visitation and viewing for Manuel will be held Friday, October 4, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa St, New Braunfels, Texas 78130, followed by a funeral service at 4:00 PM.