Roberto "Isleno" Mendez

Roberto “Isleno” Mendez, 83, of Flagler Beach, FL. passed away on March 20, 2022 at his home with his devoted wife and their daughter holding his hands. He was born on March 12, 1939 in Buena Vista, Cuba to the late Manuel and Herminia Mendez. The youngest of 4 brothers he was doted on by all. He grew up in the sugar cane fields of central Cuba helping his father on the locomotives. As a young man he earned an accounting degree and when the Fidel Castro Regime took power he was forced to work as an accountant at a candy factory. It soon became clear that he needed to leave for his safety and freedom and in 1962 with the help of a family friend/benefactor he and a few friends from the area boarded a plane bound for Miami, Florida with the clothes on his back and $7 dollars in his pocket. Roberto would find his way working in the sugar cane fields of Florida, taring roofs, painting homes, being a waiter at the Dante Steak House in Ft. Lauderdale and the Mai-Kai where he was the bodyguard for the “The Mystery Drink” ladies. Roberto worked his way up to being chief of security for Motorola in Plantation. In his younger years he enjoyed playing softball, golfing, and fishing but his greatest enjoyment in life was having family and friends over and sharing a few beers. Roberto will always be remembered as a kind and gentle man with a warm and caring demeanor. He was preceded in death by his son, Roberto “Pancho” Mendez in 2009; mother-in-law, Aida Rivera. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Maria Mendez, daughter, Jeanna Passalaqua; his beloved granddaughter, Alyna Passalaqua; sister-in-law, Celia Domenech; nephew, Hector Rivera; Oscar (Delfi) Mendez, great nieces’s & nephew’s, Natalie & Alex Rivera; Osqui & Lillian Mendez; son-in-law, Salvatore Passalaqua and many more loving relatives and wonderful friends.

A memorial service for Roberto will be held Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach, Florida 32136, followed by a celebration of life reception from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Roberto's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.craigflaglerpalms.com for the Mendez family.