Joe Benjamin Mendoza, Jr

I was blessed to have met Joe and his beautiful family through my sister in law Sarah ❤️ Every holiday, celebration, or family function Joe and Delma always made my boys and I feel welcome. When we would make our rounds of hellos and goodbyes Joe would always have something to say to make us laugh and left us feeling loved. Anything that man would say, you’d know to listen up because it was coming from a good place. I can’t remember all the things, but I will never forget two important rules, “ Don’t lock your legs while standing too long, you will cut off circulation and pass out. Bend at your knees a bit.” That is what Joe told the bridal party at Sarah and Josh’s wedding, and every time I find myself in line or pumping gas or whatever else involves standing in one spot too long, staring into the abyss and thinking about my life choices, I swear Joe’s voice pops in my head and says, “BEND YOUR KNEES!”, and of course I follow suit, because it’s Joe, he knows things. The other rule I believe he told to either Vic or Sarah and one of them passed his words to me through a funny story some years back which was, “If you leave the house thinking you are not getting out of your car, make sure you are dressed in case you have to get out of your car.” I am the worst when it comes to running late especially for morning drop offs thinking it’s going to be quick, heading out the door in my pajamas and slippers, just in January I got to hear Joe’s voice again when I got into a minor fender bender, not my fault, but when I had to step out of my vehicle to gather insurance information I took one look at my appearance, slippers, pajamas, no bra, hair thrown up in a bun, I could just hear him say, “See what I mean.” I just answered back in my head, like yes, okay I will embrace this embarrassment and be sure to try to at least get dressed and put shoes on. Joe was truly one of a kind, a perfect role model of what a father should be, and I will always remember what a fun grandpa he was to my nephews Josiah and Jonah. You will forever be missed Joe and I know your words of wisdom will live forever.