Gabriel (Gabby) Mendoza

Gabriel "Gabby" Mendoza, Jr. was born on November 24, 1934 in Miami, Arizona to Gabriel & Isabel Mendoza. Gabby was peacefully called to the Lord on February 20, 2016 at his residence in Cypress. Predeceased by his parents: Gabriel & Isabel, his brother Edward (Wedo) Mendoza & father-in-law Guillermo Chavira. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Alba Rosa. Together they had 3 children: Ronald Eugene Mendoza, Monica Mendoza & Madelyn Loraine (John-Mark) Warkentin, & is also survived by his sister: Lorie Mendoza Geluz. He leaves his legacy on this earth through his four grandchildren: Gabriella, Jude, Ansel & Simeon, as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins & friends. Gabby moved to Wilmington, CA in 1944 with his parents & brother Wedo. He attended Wilmington Park Elementary School & graduated from Phineas Banning High School in winter of 1953, attended & graduated with this Associates Degree from Los Angeles Harbor College. After graduating from Harbor College, he was drafted in the US Army where he served his country proudly in Germany. Gabby grew up playing sports at the Mahar House in Wilmington & continued playing Football & Track at Banning High School. While at Harbor College he continued to excel in Football playing for the Seahawks. Upon his return from the Military, he went on to work for Smart & Final for the next 37 years. Gabby continued to play baseball/softball until the age of 77. He was a proud Honor Guard member of VFW Post 2967, in Wilmington, CA.

Funeral Services will be on Monday, March 14, 2016 @ 10:30 a.m. at St. Hedwig Catholic Church 11482 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos, CA 90720. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Gabriel Mendoza, Jr. to the VFW Post 2967, 1130 W. Anaheim St., Wilmington, CA 90744