Manuel Mendoza

Mendoza, Manuel Manuel Mendoza, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, died Saturday, February 22, 2014. He was 88 years old. Manuel died at his home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico surrounded by his family. Born January 1, 1926 in Trinidad, Colorado, Manuel was the third youngest of seven children. Growing up he was known as a great athlete and was offered a football scholarship, however he opted to early enlist in the US Army before he was 17 years old seeing tours in France and Germany. He was honorably discharged June 12, 1946 at the young age of 20. When he returned he married Mary H. Herrera whom he shared his life with for 64 years until her passing June 28, 2013. Together they raised their six children in Gallup, New Mexico. Never one to wait for opportunity to be handed to him, Manuel successfully worked several jobs, often simultaneously, from managing ordinance at Fort Wingate Army Depot, contracting with Mountain Bell Telephones, and starting his own cleaning service that he ran with his wife and children. He was also a lifelong Elk where he served as bartender and perfected his �Mint Grasshopper� cocktail, a hit with patrons and his family at Christmas time. Retiring to Rio Rancho in 1991, Manuel never slowed down. He remained an avid golfer and his abundance of charm and wit helped him quickly forge new relationships with almost everyone he met. Manuel was known to help his neighbors out by mowing their lawns and using his ingenuity to complete housing projects. He was always happy to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether it was walking them to school or gently teasing them with a mischievous smile. Manuel left behind a legacy of good living, love, and achievement that will guide and inspire his family for decades to come. Manuel is preceded by his wife, Mary H. Mendoza, and Sisters Socorro Smith, Ignacia Sanchez, Alice Macias, and Brother Tereso Avila. Manuel is survived by his children Rita Vasquez, Benny Mendoza, Yolanda Mendoza, Janette Montano, Joan Shea, Lisa Rodriguez, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren as well as his sisters Lupe Henderson and Lucy Mihoin. The Rosary will be recited at 10:30 am with the Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 am, Thursday, February 27, 2014 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. Interment to follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-892-9920