Juan Mendoza

Juan Mendoza Obituary SAN DIEGO- Juan Mendoza died on January 18, 2021 at the San Diego VA hospital due to COVID-19. He was born in Laredo, Texas on April 12, 1942 the son of Juan and Trinidad Mendoza. Following High School Juan joined the United States Marine Corps where he served with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMH-362). Juan served as a 6481 Aircraft Engine Mechanic. Juan served with HMH-362 in Vietnam and achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. Juan earned a Navy Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Vietnam Civil Actions, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal. Juan was also was a rifle expert. Juan Mendoza was a loving Son, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Uncle, Marine, and Friend. He was loved by 100's of people all over the United States. He brought a smile to those that knew him. His love for dancing, karaoke, and having a good time was contagious and many times would make him the life of the party. Juan was a devout Christian man who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 2017 Juan lost his beloved son Chris Mendoza and now they are both in heaven together for etern...[more]

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. For many years he was a part of a divorce recovery group called Friends Becoming Family at the Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton. This is where he met his Fiancé Dodie Urbanski. Before their engagement on December 24, 2020, they enjoyed a deep friendship that went on for 21 years. Juan is survived by his Fiancé Dodie Urbanski, Son Curtis Mertz and his wife Michele Mertz, Daughter Trina Jennings and her husband Donald Jennings, Granddaughter Melody Mendoza, and Mandee Carmen, Grandson Mitchell Mendoza, Great Granddaughter Trinidad (Trina), Great Grandson Luciano Mendoza.