Jose Alberto Mendez's Obituary
Jose was born in Cuba on April 27, 1945 and immigrated to the United States as a teenager. He lived and worked in New York City for many years. In 1980, he was transferred to California for work. He resided in San Mateo, CA where he made a home for himself amongst his friends, which were his family. He relied heavily on the warm hugs of his friends like Kathy, Joy, Jac, Richard, Shannon, Anita, Rabbi Jay, Gretchen, Dianne, Rev. Ben, Ode, and Paulette, just to name a few. He actively participated in church at Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo (UUSM), where he found a community and lifelong friendships. He found comfort and solace through his participation in helping others.
He served in the U.S. Army and was a very proud veteran. He was a long-standing member of the San Mateo NAACP and served on its Board for many years. He served as a juror for the MLK Poetry and Art Contest. In 2018, he was presented with the NAACP Outstanding Community Service Award. He was a long-time volunteer at the San Mateo County Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup where his primary purpose for over thirty years was to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. He also built meaningful friendships at the San Mateo Senior Center, through shared meals and exercise with other seniors. He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh by comparing himself to John Wayne. Jose joined the UUSM community in 2016 and was a Board trustee, a member of the Facilities and Pastoral Care teams. He believed in helping others and was always willing to be of service.
Jose is survived by his daughter and son, Sylvia and Albert, their spouses, 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Please keep Jose’s family in your heart. Condolences can be sent to Sylvia Fernandez and family at 10 Aragon Ave. Apt. 918, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Please consider sharing your memories and stories of Jose on the Tribute Wall. What is your fondest memory of Jose?
May we remember that grief is a sign of love, and love is what endures.
What’s your fondest memory of Jose?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jose?
Share a story where Jose's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jose you’ll never forget.
How did Jose make you smile?