Obituary of Stanley C. Mendoza

Stanley C. Mendoza passed away peacefully on December 8, 2013. A lifelong Santa Cruz resident, he was born to Clarence and Viola Mendoza August 15, 1928. Stan attended schools in Santa Cruz and graduated from Santa Cruz High in 1946, later attended Hartnell College. He worked for many years for his father at Central One Stop on Front Street where he learned the auto mechanic trade. After his father retired, Stan went to work for the City of Santa Cruz Automotive Services, retiring as supervisor after 28 years. He was also known to work on boat engines and often could be seen at the yacht harbor working on boat engines from small to large. He was well known in the community as one of the best boat engine mechanics around. Stan had very little spare time because he was always busy helping someone. His spare time that he did have was spent tending to his prized vegetable garden which produced vegetables he shared with everyone. An accomplished fisherman, he loved to fish, whether it be in the ocean with his friend Emo, or along the San Lorenzo River and he was known by all the locals as one of the most ardent and respected fishermen in town. Stan had a wonderful life, always ready to help a friend. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Masamori and her husband, Gary, his son Steven Mendoza and wife Gloria, and by his grandson, Tyler Masamori. The family would like to thank all his doctors and caregivers who so compassionately gave their expert care to him. He was truly grateful for all that you did for him. Stan requested that there be no services and because of his love for animals contributions may be made in Stan's memory to the Santa Cruz Co. Animal Shelter, 2200 7th Ave, Santa Cruz 95062 or Santa Cruz County SPCA, 2685 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz, 95062.