Gilbert Mendoza

Gilbert “Gil” Mendoza, of Santa Rosa, succumbed to complications from a prolonged illness on October 16, 2019. Born on March 7, 1928, he was 91 years old.

Gil is survived by six children -- Mark of Santa Rosa; Brandi Ford of Ukiah; Todd of Petaluma; Steven of Ukiah; Carol of Santa Rosa; and Rebecca Philbert of River Vale, New Jersey. Gil was a grandfather many, many times over, and had several great- and great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years, Carol Mary (née Rankin), one daughter, Joanna Mary, and his older brother, Soccoro, (“Socky”) of San Mateo.

Born in San Francisco to Josephine and Carlos Mendoza of Mexico, who fled civil unrest for the chance at a better life, Gil was the first member of his family born in the United States. He started working at nine years old in the China Basin shipyard, selling refreshments to stevedores and dockworkers from a spare freight cart. This early work experience instilled in Gil a tenacious work ethic that he, in turn, impressed upon his children and grandchildren.

After graduating from Mission Dolores High School in San Francisco in 1946, Gil served in the US Army during the Korean War before starting a management career at Colonial Bakery in South San Francisco. Like several of his children and grandchildren, Gil worked in various leadership roles at Safeway, Inc., eventually retiring in 1992.

Gil spent his long retirement managing investment properties in the Bay Area, traveling to Mexico with family, and hosting large family gatherings at his home. He was well-known in his Bennett Valley neighborhood of 57 years by many neighbors, acquaintances, and waitstaff at local restaurants.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Liturgy Service followed by Military Honor's on Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the LAFFERTY & SMITH COLONIAL CHAPEL (4321 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, CA, 95409). Private interment, next to his wife at Calvary Catholic Cemetery (2940 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA, 95404). LAFFERTY & SMITH COLONIAL CHAPEL will provide Visitation Hours on Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and then again on Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 9:00 A.M. to Service Time on Sunday, November 3, 2019.

Visitation

Lafferty Smith Colonial Chapel

Saturday, November 02, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 4321 Sonoma Highway Santa Rosa, California 95409 Directions Visitation

Lafferty Smith Colonial Chapel

Sunday, November 03, 2019 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM 4321 Sonoma Highway Santa Rosa, California 95409 Directions Funeral Service

Lafferty Smith Colonial Chapel

Sunday, November 03, 2019 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 4321 Sonoma Highway Santa Rosa, California 95409 Directions