Santiago O Mendez

Santiago O. Mendez of Santa Ana, California passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 20, 2013. Santiago was born in El Bolson, Sinaloa on April 25th, 1933. He was the second son of nine children of Nazario and Jesus Mendez.

He met and married Delia Duarte in Tijuana, Baja California. They married in 1952 and eventually moved the family to Huntington Beach, California in 1963. He and Delia wanted a better life for their children, as well as to have another child.

Since 1963 his sole goal was to have his children be the best children, to grow into responsible people, to have and raise his grandchildren & great-grand children to be as his children are. In fact he has great-grand children which are all the greatest extension to the Mendez family.

Santiago continued his education to become a US citizen and prove to all those around him that he was here on earth to show how to not let anything get in the way of a positive and happy future.

Santiago retired from 25 years from The University of Irvine, California (UCI) to spend even more time dedicated to Delia and his entire family and friends. He was able to travel extensively with friends and family.

Santiago never missed a graduation for his children or grand children whether it was one graduating from grade school, Jr high school, high school or the university. He always made sure he made the necessary time for all of his kids.

He is survived by his wife, Delia; children, Ruben, Gilbert, Ana, Carmen and Santiago Jr., also 13 grand children and 14 great-grand children; as well as many loved family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday July 26th, 2013 from 5 to 9pm at Funeraria Del Angel Mac Dougall Mortuary at 1610 East 1st Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Church Services will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday July 27th, 2013 at 8:00am and following:

Burial at Ascension Cemetery at 24754 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest, California 92630