Robert Boullosa Mendez

Robert Boullosa Mendez (Bob), age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, on July 12, 2026. Bob is remembered for his love for his family, his warm, gregarious demeanor and his distinguished career.

Bob and the love of his life, Marilyn, both New York City born and raised, initially met as teenagers then later married and raised their family on Long Island, NY.

Bob began his professional life with the Army Corps of Engineers. He then dedicated over 40 years of service to the Federal Aviation Administration, where he made significant contributions both as a civil engineer and as an administrator. Known as a strong collaborator and a benevolent leader, Bob managed much of the eastern region and divisions of the FAA during his tenure.

In the early 90s, Bob’s career brought him and his family to the DMV area and they chose Annapolis, Maryland as their home. Bob loved living in Annapolis; he especially enjoyed walking in downtown Annapolis, dinners at the Fleet Reserve, attending concerts at Quiet Waters Park and rooting for Navy at their sporting events. In his retirement, Bob loved spending quality time with his and Marilyn’s grandchildren, their friends and neighbors and traveling in their RV visiting their lifelong friends who lived around the country. He cherished his relationships and remained in close contact with friends and colleagues from all of the chapters in life, including his cherished childhood friends.

Bob was a kind, decent man who treated everyone he encountered with respect. His life was one full of music, laughter and joy. He learned to play the piano at a young age and fostered his love of music throughout his life.

For decades, much to the delight of his colleagues’ families, Bob played Santa at his organization’s holiday party. He was quick witted with a wry sense of humor. He loved dogs and often spoke fondly of the ones in his life, including his Old English Sheepdogs, Lady and then Misty.

Bob is survived by Marilyn, his beloved wife of 60 years, their three children: Katherine Mendez-Mahone (Jerry), Robert Mendez (Lisa), and Jane Mendez (Joseph Wisniewski), as well as their grandchildren Tyler Mahone, Connor Mahone, and Robert John Mendez (Rhiannon). Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Prudencio and Marina Mendez, and his brother, Joseph Mendez.

It was Bob’s wishes that he not have a formal service, rather he preferred to be celebrated in the manner in which he walked through life, full of joy. On Bob’s behalf, his family invites those who want to honor him, from near or far, to gather with their loved ones and make a toast to Bob. Please share your pictures and stories of your toast and memories of Bob with us. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family requests that contributions in his memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Hospice of the Chesapeake or to another charitable organization dear to your heart.

May the words to one of Bob’s favorite songs, “The Impossible Dream” by Joe Darion and Mitch Leigh, be a lyrical memory of his life.

“To dream the impossible dream,

To fight the unbeatable foe,

To bear with unbearable sorrow

To run where the brave dare not go;

To right the unrightable wrong.

To love, pure and chaste, from afar,

To try, when your arms are too weary,

To reach the unreachable star!

This is my Quest to follow that star,

No matter how hopeless, no matter how far,

To fight for the right

Without question or pause,

To be willing to march into hell

For a heavenly cause!

And I know, if I'll only be true

To this glorious Quest,

That my heart will lie peaceful and calm

When I'm laid to my rest.

And the world will be better for this,

That one man, scorned and covered with scars,

Still strove, with his last ounce of courage,

To reach the unreachable stars!”

Visitation will be held at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 4 to 7 pm. Services and interment will be private.