Robinson Enrique Mendoza

Robinson was born in June 5, 1934 Maracaibo, Venezuela. He was from a working-class family. His father, Jose was a former Merchant Marine & fisherman who instilled the work ethic and stressed a constant desire for education that he passed on to his children. His mother, Carmen was a lifelong homemaker who ensured Robinson and his siblings stayed in school and helped carry the duties of their home. In Venezuela, Robinson worked in several career fields ranging from Electrician, Power Lineman to Accountant for Shell Oil Co. All the while providing for his late wife, Lida Josefina Mendoza, and their six children. In 1968, Robinson decided to leave his lucrative career with Shell Oil and led his family to emigrate to the United States.

After initially landing in Miami, Florida, He moved his family to Paterson, New Jersey. During that time, Robinson was not able to work in his profession as an accountant. He then sought work in his former trade of electronics. He soon landed a job with Singer/Kearfott Industries in NJ doing electronic circuit board assembly for NASA’s Apollo Program. Robinson worked in support of the Apollo Program from the 1968 Apollo 8 mission until the final Apollo 15 mission in 1971. During the economic crisis of the early 1970’s, Robinson found himself out of work and in search of other ways to provide for his family. Through the early 70’s he took on jobs ranging from theater usher, stocking shelves at local Bodegas and grocery stores, to janitor. All the while, ensuring care for his family. In 1981, Robinson moved to Phoenix, Arizona and began working for Pointe Hilton Resorts where he eventually retired as Executive Director of Housekeeping in 2001.

Robinson is survived by his wife, Julia Ros-Mendoza, his stepdaughter Mabel, and his sister Maria. He is also survived by his six children: Pedro Antonio, Robinson Jr., Carmen Delia, Julio Cesar, Lisbeth and Juan Carlos, and their spouses RosAnn, Loide, Edgardo, Mercedes, Tom, and Brenda.

Robinson was a very proud Grandfather to seventeen grandchildren: Marc, Peter Jr., Elisa, Andre, Daniel, Andrea, Steven Paul, Natalie, Jennifer, Lisette, Julio Jr., Janette, Jonathan, Kristen, Adam, Deborah, and Jacob.

He was also very a proud Great-Grandfather to eighteen great-grandchildren: Ava, Olivia, Hannah, Lucas, Caleb, Addy, Eliana, Isabella, Genesis, Lily, Daisy, Harmony, Elijah, Benson, Brynlee, Jovan, Hart, Daniella, Harlow and Hayden

He is preceded in death by his parents José del Carmen and Carmen Delia Mendoza. His five brothers and sister, Ligia, Vinicio, Beatriz, Alejo and José.

A celebration of life for Robinson will be held at Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary located on 200 W Beardsley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024 on Friday, June 11, 2021. Viewing will be from 10 am to 12 noon followed by the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to USVets/Arizona; https://usvets.org/locations/phoenix/