Gil Mendoza Abenojar

Gil Mendoza Abenojar, 81, passed away peacefully at home in Conroe,TX on June 9, 2023. He was born in Naguilian, La Union in the Philippines on December 11, 1941 to Saturnino Abenojar and Januaria Mendoza. He is survived by his wife, Emilie, his daughters, Gemilie and Cherry, and his younger brother, Pio. He was preceded in death by his sisters Flor and Paz,and brother Modesto.

Gil was known for his commitment to education. Growing up, he and his siblings walked two miles every day to school, though sometimes they would miss days when the river rose too high. He met Emilie in their first year of high school where they were strong academic competitors. He then received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of the East in Manila.

In 1972, he moved his family to Chicago, Illinois to pursue the American dream. However, he missed the warm weather and moved to Spring, Texas in 1981 where the climate allowed him to grow banana trees in his backyard. He continued his education and received a second degree, a Bachelor of Science in Business Computer Information Systems from the University of Houston, graduating cum laude. He went on to have a successful career as an accounting manager for Moncrief Lenoir and Houston Works.

Outside of his professional life, Gil loved the outdoors and could be found tending to goats and chickens when he lived on the farm, or working in the garden among long beans, ampalaya, and tomatoes. Neighbors would greet him as he made rounds, walking 10,000 steps a day.

He was an honest, loyal, and patient man, and will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and playful style. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and lolo who touched the lives of many. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral arrangements will be held at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13102 North Freeway, Houston TX 77060. A viewing will be held Sunday, June 18, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. A funeral service will be held Monday, June 19, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Following the service will be a procession to the gravesite for the committal and final goodbyes.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in memory of Gil Mendoza Abenojar.