George Luis Mendoza

Our beloved son, brother, uncle, Godfather and friend George Luis Mendoza born February 17, 1985, to Salvador M. Mendoza and Marie G. Mendoza, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 13, 2025. He was 40 years young and a lifelong resident of Merced, California.

George enjoyed other cities but lived his 40 years in Merced. He attended Merced College and majored in History. Sadly, he did not finish school as he decided to become his elderly parents’ caregiver. His line of work was caregiving.

George was a man who served God and studied all Bibles and religions. George was a huge fan of 80’s music and movies. His favorite song was by Crowded House, “Don’t Dream It’s Over”. He loved watching movies with Bruce Lee in them who was his favorite actor. He was also fascinated by culture and was a Historian. You could ask him a question about a country, and he could tell you the whole story of the country you asked him about. He loved animals especially cats. He also loved reading and playing video games. His favorite color was red. George collected many figurines from his childhood cartoons and movies, for example, Ghostbusters, Ninja Turtles, and Indiana Jones.

George enjoyed his alone time but loved speaking to the elderly community and hearing stories about their lives. His favorite food apart from his parent’s cooking was McDonald’s double cheeseburger, with a large Pibb soda and French fries with no salt. He was a huge 49er’s fan, and he also loved all martial arts. He collected many items from China and Japan.

George loved spending time with his family, especially his nephews and nieces. He was a wonderful man who always gave back to his community and his family. George always put others before himself. One thing we can all say is that George loved the Lord and accepted Him in his heart. We are at peace with his passing and we know that he is no longer in pain.

George was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Luis Mendoza Barigan and Maria del Refugio Mediana Barigan, and his maternal grandparents Leonardo Sanchez Garcia and Matilde Castaneda Hernandez.

He is survived by his mother Marie G. Mendoza, his father Salvador M. Mendoza, his siblings Leonardo Montufar, Salvador Montufar, Flor Montufar, America Johnson, Amber J. Villarreal Mendoza, Luis Esquivel. His nieces and nephews, Jahzzel Montufar, Genesis Granados, Bethany Granados, Christahell Granados, Mystyka Montufar, Gathzamame Montufar, Josiah Montufar, Leonardo Montufar II, Abby Montufar, Dorien Villareal, America Ayuso, Juan Ayuso, Marie Montufar, DeyLovely Villarreal, Aleenah Montufar, Ka’Liah Johnson and Dalton Villareal.

George never married or had children of his own, but he became the God Father to two of his nephews. He loved his family and, his parents, who meant the whole world to him. George was a caring and giving young man. He loved telling jokes and loved to share his knowledge of history.

How do we describe George? He was kind, sweet, and loved his solitude. George will always be remembered through his favorite 80’s music, his beautiful smile, and his kind heart. George went to be with his Father on August 13, 2025. He will be missed by many and will always be in our hearts.

Please join our Family on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home for a Family and Friends Viewing from 6:00 – 11:00 pm at 1490 B Street, Merced, California. George loved his nightlife, so we will be up all night. A Rosary and Mass Service will be held at 9:30 am on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 519 W 12th Street, Merced, California. Graveside Services will follow at Merced Cemetery, 1300 B Street, Merced, California.

On Behalf of the Mendoza, Montofar, Villareal, and Johnson Family, we love and thank you all.

George was a dignified and respectful man and believed in formal dress codes for specific occasions. He believed that funerals were somber events and as such, dark colors such as blue and black should be worn in respect of the deceased and their families. For this reason the Mendoza respectfully requests that all attendees wear blue or black clothing. Thank you very much.