Carlos F. (Charlie) Mendoza

Carlos F. (Charlie) Mendoza, age 84, died peacefully at Redlands Community Hospital surrounded by his family on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 1:15 a.m. due to a stroke. Charlie was born on November 10, 1939, in Ventura, California to Albert Mendoza and Josie Aranda Mendoza. He was the oldest of ten children in the family. He attended Lugonia Elementary School, Redlands Junior High, and graduated from Redlands High School in 1957.

Charlie began his working life as a psychiatric technician at Patton State Hospital from 1957 through 1964, finishing as a shift supervisor. He attended the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Academy in January, 1965 and graduated number one in his class of fifty-six students. He retired as a sergeant after 25 years of service. In 1986 he earned his Associates degree from San Bernardino Valley College. In the same year he graduated from Sawyer Business College in Pomona where he served as the valedictorian for his business and accounting program.

Charlie’s greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends. Married in 1961 to his high school sweetheart Carmen Herrera, Charlie devoted his life to her and their three sons. He loved his children and grandchildren, and especially liked watching them play sports and supporting them in all of their interests and activities. He treasured time with his siblings and enjoyed researching the genealogy of the extended Mendoza clan. Outside of family, Charlie relished monthly breakfast outings with his old high school and neighborhood buddies as well as his former law enforcement friends. He valued attending mass at The Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, traveling, attending high school sporting events, Redlands Forum Lectures, and Redlands Bowl summer concert performances Charlie had a happy disposition and a smile that would light up a room. He touched many lives with his generosity and passion for living.

Charlie was married to his wife Carmen Mendoza for 58 years. She preceded him in death in April of 2020. Charlie is survived by his three sons: Chuck Mendoza and wife Julie (children Katie, Carly, and Matthew Mendoza, Allison and Ben Verhoeven); Joe Mendoza (children Josiah Mendoza, Tatiana and Enrique Garcia), Robert and wife Elizabeth (children Sabrina and Samantha Mendoza), brothers and sisters Carmen Ramirez, Carol and Gil Brown, Albert and Vickie Mendoza, Anita Mendoza and Dawkins Hodges, Ted and Martha Mendoza, as well as two great-grandsons, Tommy and Charlie Garcia.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, September 20th at 11 a.m. at The Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Redlands 115 W. Olive Ave. A celebration of a life well lived will continue after mass at the American Legion, 1532 Church St. Redlands, CA 92374.

All are welcome.