Anthony C Mendez

Funeral plans to be announced at a later date.

Tony was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 26, 1960, to Anthony Louis and Lupe Louise (Toribio) Mendez. He grew up as a proud Southsider in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on Taylor Street. After high school, Tony studied carpentry at Washburn Trade School. He became a journeyman carpenter, focusing mostly on industrial projects such as bridge work and in the Chicago Deep Tunnel system.

Thanks to a close-knit bond with each other’s family, Tony met the love of his life, Sylvia. Together the two started their family on the Southside, later settling in Gurnee to raise their two children, Anthony and Nicole.

In the mid-80’s, Tony switched gears and worked with Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, helping with truck driving and furniture delivery. He later returned to carpentry, this time working with his brother-in-law at Tempus Construction and working on projects such as malls, store spaces, condominiums and high rises downtown, which he really enjoyed.

Outside of work, Tony had every tool you could imagine and enjoyed lending a hand whenever someone needed help to fix just about anything. He was a kind, supportive person who had the gift of making everyone feel seen and cared for. He was loud and outspoken, with remarkable storytelling skills that drew everyone in.

Tony loved his family. Though he worked long hours, he remained incredibly involved in his children’s lives. He could be found at the movies in his free time, catching up on television shows, cooking something up in the kitchen or firing up the grill. He loved English Bulldogs and treasured the time spent with family pets Rocky and Desmond.

To say Tony loved White Sox baseball would be a great misrepresentation of his inherited passion for the Southside team. He was a die-hard fan through and through, though he also enjoyed cheering on the Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks.

Tony is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sylvia (Canchola) Mendez; children Anthony J. Mendez and Nicole Mendez; brothers Vince Mendez and Alex (Annie) Mendez and sister Pam John) Napiorkowski.

He was preceded by his parents Anthony L. and Lupe Mendez, and daughters Gina and Noel Mendez.