Leonard Mendonca, 80, of Turlock passed away suddenly at home on June 24, 2015. Leonard was born to Caetano and Adeline Mendonca in Modesto, Ca. He attended Roselawn School and graduated from Turlock High School in 1951. He served his country in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician and was the DJ on board the destroyer U.S.S. McKean. He loved music, HAM Radio, dancing, and sports. He was an outstanding fast-pitch softball pitcher, an avid Oakland A’s, Oakland Raiders, and Golden State Warriors fan. He was very proud to have a son and grandson both play professional baseball.
Leonard married Iris Grose in 1955. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in February. Leonard and Iris raised their family on their dairy farm East of Turlock where he lived his entire life.
Leonard was actively involved in the community. He was a member of the Turlock Amateur Radio Club, an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Father Heslin Council #2557, and a UPEC member. He was a former Commander of American Legion Rex Ish Post #88, Turlock Little League board member, 4H electronics leader, and past State President of the Grade B Milk Manufacturing Board. He served as a Fire Commissioner for Denair Fire Department for 30 years, and helped set up the Denair Sheriff’s Substation.
Leonard had a love for baseball and was a skilled announcer. Over the last 50 years he announced Turlock Little League, Turlock Senior League, American Legion, and Turlock High School Baseball games. He enjoyed announcing the Turlock Christmas Parade and voluntarily set up his PA system for the Memorial Day Services at Turlock Cemetery.
Leonard and Iris enjoyed dancing and regularly attended and helped teach dance classes at Turlock Adult School. His devotion to his wife was evident as he faithfully spent each day with Iris at the rest home.
Loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa, is survived by his wife Iris Mendonca, children Lenny (Christine) Mendonca, Ray (Tami) Mendonca, Lucille Mendonca, Rob (Sherrie) Mendonca. He also leaves behind grandchildren Allie Mendonca, Rebecca Mendonca, Tim (Kala) Mendonca, Tom Mendonca, Rylee (Bryan) Welly, and Jackson Mendonca as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his children William, Elizabeth, Michael, Theresa and Phillip Mendonca.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 9th at Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Friday, July 10th at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Turlock Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Santa Cruz Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 1777-A Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 under participant name Lucille Mendonca who will be walking in memory of our dad as a caregiver and in honor of our mom. Donations can also be made online at http://act.alz.org/goto/LucilleMendonca.
