John D. Mendez

Mendez, John D., 99, passed away peacefully at home March 28, 2015. Born Nov. 27, 1915 in New York, NY, the third son of Doris Rudd and Abner J. Mendez, he was preceded in death by two older brothers and a younger sister. His life would fit neatly into one of Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation" tales. Raised in Teaneck, NJ, he graduated high school in the depths of the great depression, with no funds available for college. He worked his way through six years of night school and obtained his law degree at Seton Hall University in time to qualify for a Naval Officer commission in the U.S. Navy. He graduated Midshipman's school at Northwestern U. as company commander and assigned to sea duty aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Amesbury. After six trips escorting troops and tankers across the Atlantic, his destroyer was assigned to accompany the bombardment fleet into Normandy on June 5, 1944. His ship was later assigned to the Pacific where they saw action at Okinawa and were active in the occupation of China and Korea.

War ended and he returned to NJ and commenced a successful law practice. In 1959 he moved his law office to Ft. Lauderdale. He and his family enjoyed the pleasures of this city including great boating experiences in the Bahamas. They also traveled throughout Europe. Active in the real estate and development field he was one of the developers of Harborage Island, the only private island in Harbor Beach. He was a member of the Lauderdale Yacht Club, was Chairman of the old Beach Hospital until sold to the Cleveland Clinic, President of the Ft. Lauderdale Business Assoc., Judge Advocate of the Navy League and an original supporter in the creation of Nova University as a member of "Gold Key".

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Irene Lacey Mendez, a son Jack Powers, Jr. (Cora) and daughter Maribeth Powers Moody (Lester III), granddaughter Alexandra Weber (David) and great grandchildren Pierce and Olivia Weber. A private Memorial Service will be held by the family.