Antonio Tony"" Diaz Mendoza

Mendoza- Antonio (Tony) Diaz Mendoza, of Albuquerque, passed away at the age of 90 on August 10, 2009. He was born in Waynoka, OK and attended Pampa High School in Texas, graduating in 1938. In World War II, he was decorated for his service in the Asiatic Pacific Theater campaign for liberation of the Philippines, serving as an Army Infantry Specialist in the Pacific Battle at Guadalcanal. After the war Tony spent his career as a train dispatcher for the Santa Fe Railroad, retiring in 1982. After retirement Tony moved from Clovis, NM to Albuquerque to continue to assist his sister Mary in caring for their parents Ebidio Chavez Mendoza, and Matiana Diaz Mendoza, and for their disabled sister Vicenta Mendoza. Tony was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus, in Clovis and in Albuquerque. He was also a member of the Texico Chamber of Commerce, President of the Palo Duro Senior Center in Albuquerque and active in leadership with the Boy Scouts. In addition, he was an active member of the Queen of Heaven parish in Albuquerque. Tony, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend was true to the K of C founding principles of, "charity, unity, and fraternity" and the K of C current dictum, "In service to one. In service to all." Tony was a gracious and charitable man; always ready to selflessly support others in their time of need. He was a generous family member serving as godfather and best-man to many, and he enjoyed watching over and helping care for many generations of children in his large extended family. Even up to the last few weeks of his life, he exuded gratitude for those around him, always ready with a sincere thank you for any small kindness. Survivors include: 4 sisters: Jane Monarrez of Sparks, NV, Mary Soister of Albuquerque, NM, Sister Mary Immaculate, SFP of Cincinnati, OH, and Kathy Lettofsky and her husband Harvey of Fredrick, MD; brother-in-law John Dean and his wife Jane Ann of Marion,OH; sister-in-law Mai Mendoza of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; 10 nieces: Rosemary Bakshis of Reno, NV, Gloria Lindsay and her husband Steven of Sacramento, CA, Phyllis Clemmons and her husband David of Sacramento, CA, Rita Gibson and her husband Bill of Springfield, VA, Veronica Sampson and her husband Victor of Sacramento, CA, Patricia Gonzales and her husband Dennis of Medanales, NM, Tina Soister and her partner Susan Wainwright of Albuquerque, NM, Amy Dunlap and her husband Dana of Albuquerque, NM, Anne Grupe and her husband Chad of Springfield, VA, and Judy Mendoza of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; 7 nephews: Anthony Monarrez and his wife Adrian of Sacramento, CA, Tommy Monarrez of Reno, NV, David Soister and his wife Jacki of Centennial, CO, Paul Soister of Albuquerque, NM, Chris Mendoza and his wife Corinna of Arlington, VA, Tony Mendoza of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and Francis Mendoza of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; and numerous great-nephews and great-nieces, cousins and friends. Tony was also appreciative for the many caregivers he had from Heartland Hospice and Home Care Assistance, most especially, Evencio Gomez, Dee Dee Wood, Thomas Lenio and Cynthia Emeanuwa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tony's honor to a charity of your choice. Tony's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 3113 Carlisle NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) 884-1188