Hilario Lazaro Mendoza

January 14, 1926- July 17, 2020

After serving during war, many veterans find themselves eager to return to civilian life and move on from their experiences as quickly as possible.

But not Hilario Lazaro Mendoza.

After he returned from World War II, the 94-year-old built a life around helping other veterans and continuing his service.

Retired Colonel Mendoza, a long time police officer in San Juan Metro Manila, died Friday at his residence in La Puente, California.

Hilario Mendoza was born January 14, 1926 to Rosario Lazaro and Mariano Pablo Mendoza. As a young boy, he would make extra money by “Harana”(Serenade) to the ladies to help the young gentlemen woo their females they desire. He loves to sing with a guitar or a piano accompaniment. He was known to join and win singing contest when he was younger.

In 1956, he married the love of his life, Lydia Rius. They live together inseparable for over 55 years. They have 3 beautiful daughters Maria Isabel Mendoza, Maria Victoria Dayandayan {married Ireneo Dayandayan), and Maria Carmen Cook (married Wallace Cook).

As he got older he dedicated his life to his community in San Juan by dedicating himself to Law and order until he retired at age 65 ranking as a Colonel and Chief of Police.

Hilario loved music and singing to entertain friends and family. He was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all, and a man who would give his shirt off his back for a friend.

He was a good father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them, a loving grandfather and “great-grand” father to many.

Hilario was a strong, proud and good man. He is loved and will be missed by many!

He is preceded in death by parents, Rosario Lazaro and Pablo Mendoza; wife, Lydia Rius Mendoza; granddaughter, Goldie Lydia Marie Cook.

Mr. Mendoza is survived by loving daughters, Maria Isabel Mendoza of La Puente, CA, Maria Victoria Dayandayan (Ireneo) of Hayward, CA; Maria Carmen Cook (Wallace) of Lathrop, CA;2 Grandsons Kaleb Cook and Joshua Cook; a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved friends and relatives; and beloved extended family.

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.