Antonio D. Mendoza Sr.

Antonio Deomampo Mendoza Sr. was the fourth of six children born to Pastor and Benigna Mendoza, on March 3, 1926, in Taal Batangas, Philippines. By profession, Antonio was a traveling merchant. He ventured all over the Philippine Islands selling goods from town to town. During his travels, he came across a young widow by the name of Juanita Echon in 1947. After a year of courting, Antonio and Juanita got married in January of 1948. Juanita had a daughter named Corazon Prado Terrado that Antonio raised as his own. Together Antonio and Juanita were blessed with eight more children. Virginia Esmane, Rogelio Mendoza, Milagros Aiken, Antonio Mendoza Jr., Luzviminda Alido, Marivic Mendoza, Joseph Mendoza, and Ricky Mendoza.

When Antonio’s daughter Virgina immigrated to the United States in 1974 she petitioned for her parents to come. In November of 1979, Antonio and Juanita arrived in the United States to start a new life. After Antonio settled in he was able to get some odd jobs like working on a farm but eventually, he started working at Sanyo Corporation in the Packaging Department until his retiring age. During these years Antonio became a US Citizen and he petitioned for the rest of his children to come to America. In March of 1985, his sons arrived in the US. And in July of 1986 Antonio’s daughters arrived making the family whole again. Antonio lived in San Diego, CA. with his family and enjoyed spending time with relatives and friends. The Mendoza family always threw the biggest parties and Antonio always liked being a part of that. 

Antonio loved Sabong (Cockfighting) He raised Fighting cocks and chickens as his hobby. He also loved to dress up and always look sharp. He was known for being a charming ladies man. Antonio loved Kundiman music which is a genre of traditional Filipino love songs used by lovers to serenade each other. He would always sing or hum these songs to his grandchildren. It’s no wonder why he was such a charmer, he always had the best stories and a warming smile.

Antonio lived a long and colorful life. When his wife Juanita passed away on March 13, 2002 Antonio moved in and was cared for by his different children. As the years passed his health started to deteriorate and time eventually caught up to him. Antonio was called home on June 7, 2021. He leaves behind his seven remaining children, 24 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He will truly be missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Antonio D. Mendoza Sr., please visit our floral store.