Joseph Louis Mendoza

Joseph was born to beloved parents Roman & Josefina Mendoza on September 20, 1946 in Mexico. He was a high school graduate and used all the knowledge and wisdom he gained throughout the years to teach others and inspire them just the same.

Joseph was a Vietnam veteran, completing 2 tours, which included involvement in the TET Offense. He was proud of his service, but always remained humble and only spoke when asked about it. He worked at PEP Boys for over 30 years, going from sales person to District Manager, and retiring after a long successful career. He personally received a congratulations letter from Mitchell SG. Leibovitz, President & CEO in 1991 for having his territory play a leading role in overcoming the negative business that was created by the recession, stating that his accomplishment was a tribute to his leadership.

After retiring from PEP Boys, he played golf with friends and family alike, but wanted a change of pace and instead went to work for LA-Z-BOY furniture. In July of 2001, he was congratulated on for not only being the #1 writer in San Antonio, but in the whole company for the month of June. In 2002, he was congratulated for being #1 in the company for the month of December on delivered sales. No matter where he went, success always followed.

While working for LA-Z-BOY, he started working parttime with Walmart in 2002, eventually leaving the LA-Z-BOY company and going to Walmart full time. He recently completed 25 years with them, holding numerous positions. He went from being a part of management to a People Greeter when obligations of his life made him take a few steps back. Eventually he worked his way back up the chain of command, becoming department manager of Automotive & Sporting Goods, and then Coach. His knowledge of the automotive industry served him well as he helped customers with their auto problems, and guided his team to excellence in customer service and auto care. He & his team tended to find themselves ranking high in productivity in San Antonio & in his district.

No matter what Joseph was involved in, he loved working and sharing his knowledge with those around him, whether it was a co-worker or a customer.

Joseph had many interests outside of his outstanding work life. When he was a teen, he played guitar in a little band. His son, Eric, distinctly remembers him playing the guitar, piano, and accordion when he was a child. Joseph also enjoyed listening to various types of music, such as smooth jazz, oldies, latin, as well as dancing to said music. It was always infectious and never failed to get others to join in. Cooking was also something he was very good at; he’d made delicious flan, pork chops with raspberry chipotle sauce (a favorite of his wife), and menudo. Anyone who had the chance to snag a bowl always loved the flavor.

Yard work kept him busy, especially during his later years. He always kept a well grown lawn with fruit trees, flowering plants, and a fountain feature, which all helped him deal with the stresses of life and later with his cancer diagnosis. He’d listen to his music while working in the yard, not afraid to show off his dance moves.

He was a wife’s dream Handyman; he didn’t hesitate to fix or repair something. His wife, Ruth, gave him a hat & T-shirt that said: “That’s What I Do, I Fix Stuff and I Know Things”.

When he was district manager for PEP Boys, he networked while playing golf, meeting city officials & sport athletes (like George Gervin). Something he was extremely proud of was he met Eve Longoria while participating in her Eva’s Heroes Golf Tournament. He’d enter local golf tournaments and routinely play at the local courses.

Joseph knew a lot about many things, using his knowledge and wisdom to help those he loved and cared for. Memories of dancing and listening to his favorite music will always linger in everyone’s mind. There was a sense of style about him. Not a single hair out of place; he always looked his best and didn’t dress any less.

Joseph is preceded in passing by beloved parents Roman & Josefina Mendoza, and brother Al Mendoza.

He is survived by his loving wife Ruth Watanabe, children: sons, Marco Mendoza, Eric Mendoza (wife, Amy), Michael Mendoza, Franco Mendoza, daughters Angel Mendoza, Sofia Mendoza; and brother Rafael Mendoza; along with grandchildren, Amelia, Adalynn, Mallory, Ethan. & Ryan.

A visitation will be held at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, located at 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, on January 18, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

A chapel service will take place at the same venue on January 18, 2026, starting at 1:00 pm.