Robert Mendoza

Robert Mendoza was born on August 17, 1948 to Santiago and Juana Mendoza in Tulare, California. He graduated from Delano High School in 1966. He then began his collegiate career at the College of the Sequoias before he was drafted to the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

He served his country honorably having received not one, but two Purple Hearts, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal for his service.

After his military career, Robert resumed his studies at the College of the Sequoias, University of Oregon and Willamette University. A voracious reader, and lover of all things written, he was rarely without a book or several at hand. His love for literature and passion for education extended to his children, grandchildren and the many children of his heart.

After meeting the love of his life, Susie Alvarado, he chose to make a life in Salem Oregon. In 1992 Robert and Susie fulfilled their dream of owning land, ultimately settling in the foothills east of Silverton, Oregon.

Robert felt it important to invest in his community. He served on the Hispanic Board of Commissioners and recognized twice by the Oregon Governor for his decade of service. He also served over the Board of Directors for Salud Medical Services in Woodburn and dedicated his time as an investigator for Oregon Legal Services. In his retirement, Robert worked as a medical interpreter for Salem Hospital and later, Silverton Hospital.

Robert was the definition of a family man. He felt his greatest life’s work to raising his three children. Robert will be remembered as a present, loving father who always had a warm embrace for those within reach.

He is survived by his wife, Susie Mendoza. His children Adrianna (Jeramy), Santiago (Ann), and Emiliano, his five grandchildren Taylen, Julianne, Marcelina, Isaac and Scarlett, his siblings Marcelina Montero, Jose (Cora) Mendoza, Lupe Juarez, Jesse (Anna) Mendoza, Vicki Mendoza, Carlos (Cathy) Mendoza, Alfredo Mendoza and Stella Hernandez, and his many nieces, nephews and children of his heart. He is preceded in death by his parents Santiago and Juana Mendoza, sisters Pilar Hernandez and Annie Gentry.