Freddie Rizo Mayo

Freddie Mayo, a resident of Merced, California, passed away on October 24, 2026, in Palo Alto at the age of 67. Freddie grew up in Planada, California, and graduated from Le Grand High School in 1978. A proud veteran, he served in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class as a tanker and was a member of the American Legion Post 83. After the military, he worked at Greif Bros. Inc. for 30 years as a forklift driver. On May 24, 1986, he married his wife, Lucia Perez.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Church. A devoted and fun-loving family man, Freddie cherished spending time with his loved ones. His children were his world until the grandkids showed up. He specially loved watching his grandkids play sports and never missed a game. He had many passions in life, including being a faithful fan of the San Francisco 49ers and Giants, watching wrestling, attending classic car shows, and creating woodcrafts in his retirement. In 2018, he received a second chance at life as a lung transplant recipient, which also happened to occur on his and his wife's 32nd wedding anniversary.

Freddie is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lucia Mayo; his children, Steven Mayo and Michelle Manzo (Gabe); and his grandchildren: Gianna, Gabriel, Graeson, and another grandson on the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Funeral Home. A private burial will be held at a later date.