Christopher Robert Mendoza

To Christopher Robert Mendoza, the entire world was life as a new beginning. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was the protector of his family. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Christopher, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Christopher really treasured the art of living and had great fun in doing so. He touched many lives and turned a bad situation into gold with his charisma.

Christopher was born on August 25, 1980 at Maricopa County Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. His parents were Irene N. Fernandez and Manuel G. Mendoza. Christopher was raised in Phoenix, AZ. As a child, Christopher had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. But, was the tough stone in his family, he cherished the opportunity to be the guidance for his younger family members’. He couldn't help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely the greatest of spirits, and with his charismatic smile, he’d brighten up every day.

Always a good playmate, Christopher was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family differences. He seemed to have an ability for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Christopher managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems.

Christopher was raised with his five favorite sisters. He had two brothers; Mark and Joey; one older sister Marie; five younger sisters; Bernadette, Deeanna, Veronica, Valerie and Emmanuelle "BooBoo". He enjoyed being catered to by all, and that’s what made him extra special to each one of them. The only boy in the house, only made him emotionally inclined to his sisters and their daily life. Christopher treasured his time spent with family. His favorite holiday was Christmas, because he had the chance to share warm moments with all of his immediate family and friends.

All of Christopher's playful good humor surrounded the darkest of personalities. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Christopher experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He took part in football, T-ball and soccer. In his spare time he liked collecting football cards and playing sports with his cousins “Michael, Bobby, and Richard” and sister “Bernadette”. On the weekends, he had the chance to work with his Nana and Tata in resale at the Swap meets’. He was very kind and cherished the opportunity to loan a helping hand.

Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Christopher was a class “cut-up.” He didn't do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Christopher simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Christopher, grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his school experience. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Christopher attended Metro Tech High School and South Mountain High School and graduated in 1999. He enjoyed some courses more than others, and his favorite focus in high school was Law Enforcement. He attended a gifted program in Kansas City, MO and took part in MCSO Jr. Trooper Sting Program. He also attended Devry Institute in an accelerated program.

Christopher reveled in his college years, where his imagination could run free. He was viewed by many of his classmates as being a creative, artistic person. Christopher was usually found at the center of things, whether it was during class or in extracurricular activities. He was a good-humored person who loved to share his passion for fun with others. But for Christopher, life was not a case of all play and no work. Christopher relished the task of putting his imagination to work in class. He was able to discover new and different ways of answering problems and creating unusual and different solutions. He earned his Associate Degree in General Studies with a focus on Business Management and Leadership.

Christopher never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his humorous, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Christopher to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Christopher delighted in his role among all his acquaintances, because he viewed them all as potential spectators for his great will to see people with a beautiful smile on their face. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Christopher was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. Christopher utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, some of his best friends were Smiley, Porfiro, and Joe Louie. Christopher loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew.

Perhaps the reason Christopher related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own children, nieces and nephews. Christopher was blessed with three children; one daughter Esperanza Isabel "Espie", and two sons; Christopher Robert Jr. "Little Chris" and Angel Thomas. Christopher had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. His children meant the world to him… He shared thoughts of them often. If he was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of his attention was directed. Christopher's compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. He could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play.

At work, as in life, Christopher was a real “people person.” He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Christopher liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Christopher was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences to make all things possible, with a perfect outcome.

Christopher's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed his closest friends and family members to be themselves around him. Seeing Christopher as an excellent problem solver always came easy. His primary occupation was a Landscaper. But, his dream was to become an Attorney, when he grew up. His passion for Law Enforcement and the legal field made him very analytical.

Christopher enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, Christopher liked creating and making things. His favorite pursuits were hunting with his cousin Fino, finding and fixing old abandoned things, and social drinking/gatherings with his family. Christopher was content to enjoy his hobbies alone; but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Christopher felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if he wasn’t the best, Christopher loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Christopher relished the opportunities where he could make an impact, and he would often push himself to play above his abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Christopher never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. Christopher was also a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events, whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, drag racing and Nascar. He was always a Chicago Bears fan, but like Daddy, he also cheered on the Miami Dolphins.

Christopher had an endless appetite for new and different activities. He was always ready to join in the fun and add his flair and energy to an organization. Because of his personality, his humor, and his ability to get along with everyone, Christopher's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which he belonged. In high school, Christopher was a member of MECHA. He was very detailed in his culture and the traditions of his family.

Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Christopher recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church for 15 years. There he was married, and completed his sacraments with the church.

Living life in the fast lane suited Christopher just fine. It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. He was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included annual trips to Pomona with his Dad, visiting his cousin Stephanie and traveling to Rocky Point with his family.

Christopher was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. Two of Christopher's favorites was Iggy, an Iguana he had for four years and Baby, his loyal dog for eight years and who was actually a bit of a mutt. He also enjoyed countless other animals, including Ace, Dog and Leo.

Christopher passed away unexpectedly and suddenly on December 20, 2014 in Willoughby, Ohio. He is survived by his mother Irene Fernandez Abeytia; father Manuel G. Mendoza; three children Esperanza, Christopher Jr. and Thomas; older sister Marie; and five younger sisters Bernadette 'Negra', Deeanna 'Nanitas', Veronica 'Monster', Valerie 'Balerie', Emmanuelle 'BooBoo'; and one brother Mark. A visitation was held at Greer-Wilson Funeral Home and funeral services were held at St. Catherine of Siena. Christopher was laid to rest in St. Francis Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona.

Christopher brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body, and if he did… It was followed with that superior funny bone. He was a charming brother and great friend to many. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Christopher Robert Mendoza lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just from knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile. His was a great person, filled so deeply with endless secrets to life, but he turned so many lives around with his enormous love and charm. He will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

Until we meet again…. In our memories you will forever be.