Rodelio Mendoza

This page is dedicated in honor of the life of Rodelio J. Mendoza— a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, and shipmate. To those who knew him, he was simply “Rodel” or “Deo,” a man of deep warmth, humor, and endless stories as rich as the life he lived. Rodel was born in the Philippines and was the youngest of six children, a role he wore with pride and love. In his hometown of Rosario, Cavite, he met Mayumi, his lifelong companion and confidante. Their journey from childhood friends to inseparable partners was a true love story that took root in the Philippines and would grow as they traveled across the Pacific to the United States where they eventually settled and raised a family in San Diego, California.

Though he studied engineering, Rodel found his true calling in military service as a member of the United States Navy, with his career spanning from 1970 to 1994. While in the Navy, he traveled the world, experiencing countless adventures and forming lifelong friendships. Early in his career, he served a tour of duty in the Vietnam War where he was stationed at the Da Nang U.S. Naval Support Facility. Among his responsibilities were perimeter guard defense, an intense role in an active war zone. From the 1970s to the 1980s, Rodel served as a Mess Specialist on ships like the legendary aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk and the minesweeper USS Constant. During this time, he was stationed at various naval bases in Guam, Charleston (South Carolina), Bremerton (Washington) and San Diego (California).

Later in his military career, he would serve another wartime tour of duty in the Gulf War (Desert Shield/Storm) where he was onboard an active minesweeper. Attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer, Rodel served the final years of his naval career at the Naval Submarine Base at Point Loma. Like so many service members, Rodel demonstrated courage, resilience and strength throughout his military career where untold sacrifices were part of the call of duty.

While in the Navy, Rodel worked in kitchen/dining logisitics which developed in him a love for cooking. He became legendary for his holiday Salisbury steaks, his baked mussels, his baked ribs served with “sawsawan” and decadent double-baked potatoes. These weren’t just meals — they were memories, seasoned with love for family and friends.

In addition, he enjoyed sharing his food memories from his upbringing in the Philippines which inspired a decades long love of gardening. He transformed his backyard dirt hill of ice plants into a terraced garden teeming with vegetables and fruits. He grew the famed “Bahay Kubo” trio of sitaw (long green beans), bataw (hyacinth bean) and patani (lima beans) as well as bitter melon, okra, “talbos ng kamote”, calamansi, guava, pomegranate, loquat and others. He loved sharing the bounty of his garden with friends and family.

This generous spirit extended to other areas. Rodel was always willing to help friends and family. He often helped others needing car repairs and loved spending a weekend tinkering with cars. He also enjoyed home repairs and often helped friends with their own projects. Over the years, he and his wife Mayumi offered their home to friends and family providing a temporary home until they were ready for their next adventure. For Rodel, the more the merrier!

Rodel had many passions. He was a proud Lakers fan never missing a game if he could help it. He had a soft heart for injured birds, taking time to rehabilitate them with patience and care. Rodel also raised both chicken and quail for a period of time, harvesting eggs to be used in many dishes. He was an active member of the Salinas Association San Diego Chapter and even served as President in 2001. He could be found volunteering for their various fundraising events where he loved socializing with others from his hometown of Rosario. He attended the annual fiesta and could often be found as a food service volunteer.

Rodel also enjoyed “going to school”, his affectionate code for trips to his favorite local casino, Sycuan. He and his wife, Mayumi, would often go on “school dates” especially during gift nights or special events. Other fun facts about Rodel include his love of Taco Bell supreme taco party packs, soup in all forms as comfort food (pho, mami, egg-drop and ramen), his favorite dessert of apple pie and vanilla ice cream and loyalty to brands such as Shell gas and Salem cigarettes. He could often be found smoking a Salem cigarette while telling riveting tales of his Navy days — stories that were always just a little bigger than life, and always full of heart.

In his younger days, Rodel was also a man who moved — he played basketball with spirit and fire. In his older days, he loved to watch the Discovery or History channels with the same intensity he once brought to the court. He would often relax by watching YouTube videos — a pastime that might seem simple, but for Rodel, it was part of his curious, ever-learning spirit. He was a thinker, a tinkerer, a storyteller, and a deeply loyal soul.

He leaves behind a loyal and devoted wife, Mayumi and three daughters, Donna, Ella and Madelle. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren, Isaiah, Penelope, Jameson and Wyatt.

Thank you, Rodel, for the light, laughter, love and generosity you gave and the beautiful life you lived. We will carry with us your stories, your recipes, your passions, and your lessons. Until we meet again.

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