On February 20th, 2016 my dear Dad went home to be with Jesus. No more suffering, no more pain but peace and freedom from his failing body. He passed away at home in the loving care of my mom who served and took care of him until the very end. I was able to see, pray over him and talk with him the day before he passed. I'm so glad I was able to tell him I loved him and that it was ok to go home to the Lord.
I'm at peace he is united with God and is at the feet of Jesus. This is the only thing that matters in the end.
The thing that I will remember about my father the most is his love and care for those who Christ asks us to care for. My dad, frequently and lovingly visited the widows, the elderly, the fatherless, those in prison, those who were sick and those who were dying. The man was a servant. He was others focused and gave of his time, talent and treasure. Dad was incredible unselfish and always thought of others first. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his kids and grand kids. I am reflecting on this even more since he's left this earth. Dad really loved us unconditionally. We were his pride and joy. He would drive me crazy when I would catch him bragging about his kids to others but that was just his way. Next Monday on March 14th we will celebrate my Dad's life at his funeral and reception.
I miss you dad and will love you always....till we see each other again in heaven.
Gabriel Mendoza Jr.
November 24, 1934-February 20, 2016
Baby Dad 1935
Boyhood at it's finest.
Brothers Gabby and Wedo
(Gabby was Dad's nickname his whole life and Wedo was uncle's (Edward) nick name.....incidentally, this is why we gave Gabriella the nick name Ella and not Gabby....there's only one Gabby...and he was a boy!)
Dad and my Grandpa Mendoza. Before Dad was born, Grandpa was a pro baseball player (catcher) and played for a minor league in Arizona. Later in life he played in a league and dad was the bat boy. How cute are they!
Mom and Dad's wedding Day May 12, 1962
They were stylish!
When I was in elementary school Dad used to take me and mom to cut down our Christmas Tree. It was a best thing ever. I think I was in the 3rd or 4th grade.
Dad and his girls on Easter Sunday. I think I was in the 7th grade? Lovely bonnet.
Freshman Father-Daughter Dance at Mater Dei High School. 1987!
My brother Ronnie's graduation from College
My wedding rehearsal. Practicing walking down the isle.
A die hard Dodger fan I tell you. Dad was a Dodger fan when they were based out of Brooklyn New York. Good thing they moved to Los Angeles!
Beside the Dodgers, Dad loved UCLA! I think he had season tickets for the UCLA football games 7 years in a row. Being a fan herself, Mo joined in the fun many times.
Grandpa's 1st grandchild. He was over the moon when we revealed that we named her Gabriella. His name sake.
Easter of 2009
Grandpa with the with our Big Kiddos in 2010
Chat's with Grandpa
Everyone looks good with a mustache
Grandpa celebrating Ansi's First Birthday
Grandpa's first time holding Simeon on the day he was born.
Miss you and love you Pop
Gabriel Mendoza Jr.
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