Albert Mendoza

Albert was born and raised in San Francisco to his parents Amado and Mercedes Mendoza; he had 3 brothers and 4 sisters. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942. After being a link trainer stateside he deployed to England where he flew three humanitarian and fifteen combat missions as a tail gunner in B-17s during World War II.

He graduated from the University of San Francisco as a marketing major. He worked in a variety of jobs and owned a dry-cleaning business before launching his 26 year career with the Employment Development Department from which he retired in 1983 as a district administrator.

He was very active in many community organizations. He was a founder of BECA (Hispanic Scholarship Foundation) in San Diego. He devoted much time and energy to the California Mexican American Veterans Memorial enhancement project and to the Auburn Parkinson’s support group.

He died peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones including his four-legged “daughter” Sarah.

Albert is survived by his wife of over 32 years, Sharryn; children Mary Jo Harper (Jim), and A. Michael Mendoza; sisters Carmen Warner and Marie Godsey; grandchildren Pamela McCormack (Marty), Cathy Saldana and Sheri Brizendine and Michael Dupont; great grandchildren RJ McCormack, Courtney McCormack and Max DuPont.

The family requests donations in his honor to Auburn Hospice and/or the National Parkinson’s Foundation. Graveside interment services for immediate family.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapel of the Hills, Auburn, CA.