Rafael Mendoza Alvarez

Rafael Mendoza Alvarez, age 81, of Kerman, California passed away on Friday, March 3, 2023. Rafael loved having family gathering, he loved having all his family together. Rafael also liked to go hunting for deer, playing volleyball and dominos.

Rafael is survived by his wife Teodolinda Rivera de Mendoza. And by his children; Elvia Mendez (Gerardo); Gabriel Mendoza; Juan Mendoza (Isabel); Rafaela Espinosa (Hector); Ana Bertha Gonzalez (Daniel); Margarita Solis (Jesus); Jose Mendoza; Carmen Mendoza-Hernandez (Isac); Jose Luis Ramirez (Sylvia); Trini Jimenez (Joaquin); Adolfo Mendoza (Sandra); Teodolinda Ochoa (Rene) and Reyna Ochoa (Esgar). Rafael also leaves behind his 55 grandchildren, and 39 great grandchildren.

A visitation for Rafael will be held Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, A rosary from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM, at Palm Memorial - Kerman Chapel, 538 South Madera Avenue, Kerman, CA 93630. A mass will occur Friday, March 17, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 15437 W. Kearney Blvd, Kerman, CA 93630. A committal will follow from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM at St. Peter's Cemetery, 264 N. Blythe Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.

Serving as pallbearers are Christian Gonzalez, Alan Rafael Gonzalez, Esteban Manuel Torres, Adrian Issac Zavalza, Sergio Rafael Rivas, Julio Cesar Ochoa, Edgar Eduardo Ochoa and Adolfo Mendoza.

Rafael Mendoza Alvarez was born early at dawn on June 8th, 1941. His mother Juana Alvarez Madrigal became a single mother. Rafael was born in a very poor, but humble home with dirt floors and adobe walls. He was raised by his mother and grandparents. Rafael didn't go to school because he couldn't afford to buy a pencil. Instead, he worked at the tender age of 6 to help out his grandparents. Rafael grew up without luxuries and had very little, but he was happy. He met Teodolinda Rivera Aguilar when he was 17 years old and fell in love with her. Months later, he married her. They were very happy together, but money was scarce. When Rafael came to the USA at 23 years old, he had a dream of giving his wife and children a better life. He came and went several times before he decided to bring all of his family with him; by that time he had 8 children. Rafael worked from dawn to dusk doing farm labor to provide for his family. By the time he was 43 years old, he had 12 children and 1 nephew that he and his wife raised as their own. Rafael loved going deer hunting and making pork carnitas for everyone to enjoy. He would often have family gatherings and loved music and dancing. He loved playing volleyball with his friends and family, in the evenings he watched the news and played dominoes. Rafael was very loved and respected by everyone who knew him, and he always had a great sense of humor and positive attitude. After Rafael had a stroke in March 2018 that left him unable to walk, his positive attitude and sense of humor were what kept him going. Up until the end, he gave his 100% to get better, but God had other plans for him. Rafael went to heaven on March 3rd, 2023, at the age of 81. He left behind his beloved wife Teodolinda, 13 children, 55 grandchildren, and 39 great grandchildren. Rafael was a real trooper during his last 6 years battling the effects of the stroke. His departure has been bittersweet for all of his love ones. Rafael is now in heaven reunited with his mother, but he will always live on in our hearts.