The man, the myth, the legend has made his journey home.
Born in San Bernardino County to Julian and Rosie Mendoza in August of 1942 to become the oldest of 10 brothers and sisters. Al, Joe, Dan, Lydia, Alice, Thom, Jerry, Gary, and Paul. He grew up in Bloomington California where he and his family started Little League. They instantly became a baseball family and have been so ever since. Jr went to and graduated from Colton High School and soon after joined the military and served in the United States Army. He served his time and was happy to say he was a cook until he was discharged. He made it out just before Vietnam where some of his brothers served as well. He came home to the Inland Empire where he began a family. He was the father of four boys. Julian III, Salvador, Angel, and Erick and raised them with his wife Maria. He was also loved and called Grandpa by his nine grand children Elizabeth, Lalo, Alina, Karina, Khloe, Katerina, Aiden, Logan, and Veda.
He was also known to a lot of people as good ol’ Uncle Jr. So many nieces and nephews loved him and respected him. Also the neighborhood kids called him Pops or Uncle Herc as he was seldom in a t-shirt in his “younger” years. Which is the time he was known to be driving through the streets of Fontana taking his boys to baseball and football practice in his white 1970 Chevelle. All the kids loved that car and drove it for some time as it was passed down between brothers as they got their license.
He will forever be missed by all, but truly not forgotten.
