The family of Ralph Romero Mendoza, 97, US Army, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present for his military honors. It will be our privilege to do so.
Ralph Mendoza Sr., or as he is known to most, Grandpa Ralph, was born in North Hollywood and was drafted into the Army following graduation from North Hollywood High School on February 16, 1943. He participated in the liberation of Europe, was also awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received from a German Mortar attack while on a morning patrol on December 30, 1944. He was evacuated to England to recover from his wounds and transported by a troop ship back to the United States.
Ralph took part in some major battles, Ardennes and Rhineland. Medals earned American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WW11
Victory Medal and Purple Heart. He was Honorably discharged in 1946 as a Corporal.
Our Hero worked for 35 years with The Department of Water and Power, City of Los Angeles. He met and fell in love with his future wife Irene, and raised her two young sons from previous marriages. Ralph was a loving and accepting Father to the boys, Robert and Raymond (USN) soon to be joined by a younger brother Ralph Jr., USMC, as a family they never suffered pains of hunger nor were they exposed to the elements, our Hero was a protective, loving man and he truly loved them all. His proudest boast was “I have three Sons”.
He loved baseball and the Dodgers were his favorite team. He also followed the Los Angeles Rams football team and also enjoyed watching the Los Angeles Kings Hockey Team. He enjoyed reading westerns and history books and movies, westerns were his favorite.
Ralph retired from DWP in 1980 and worked on various community projects including Special Olympics, 1984 Olympics, and Meals on Wheels. Ralph joined The Lions Club in 2019 and enjoyed being a Lion. He loved going to various service projects and fundraisers at various Lions Clubs. He always remarked how friendly Lions were and how warmly he was greeted on these events. He was also a member of the American Legion, Montebello, California.
His wife Irene, passed in 2003 and his family continued to be his support group till his passing on Memorial Weekend 2021.
Ralph's brother, SSgt Trinidad Mendoza was KIA in 1944. Assigned to the infamous 3rd Army under the command of General Patton.
His son Ralph Jr also shared that his dad’s generation known as the “Greatest Generation”, "our Father was a great Father. He wasn’t famous nor was he rich, but most importantly he was our Father and we were blessed to be his family.We will miss him and we will mourn him but we will keep him in our hearts till we are united once more with our Dad, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather (Papa) and Uncle Chito. Rest my Father, be at peace and know that our love for you will never end."
Ralph Mendoza is survived by his 3 sons , Robert, Raymond and Ralph Jr. , his sister Ruthie, 12 grandchildren and 14 great grand children.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
NOTE: Covid-19 restrictions may still apply. Please have face coverings/masks available, if needed.
PLEASE NOTE, WEATHER IS EXPECTED TO BE WARM. PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY AND HYDRATE.Time Table for Saturday, 03 July 2021:1345 - Stage at Rose Hills Memorial Chapel, 3888 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601
(Gate 1 entrance)
https://goo.gl/maps/LE3RcC7FXKCLxtfR61355 - Missing Man Detail dispatched to Mortuary to escort our Warrior to chapel
1410 - Flag Line as Coach approaches Chapel
1420 - Flag Line from coach to Chapel
1445 - Mission Briefing
1600 - Flag line as Hero is moved to coach
1615 - Flag Line and Full Military Honors at Grave site
R/C Rick”Moonman”Luna
SoCal Ride CaptainUSMC VET
626 378 2304
lunardad@msn.com
I Ride for my Brothers
Vince Hernandez USMC
Danny Hernandez USN, USAR
Remember to stand Tall and Honor this HeroYou do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
