Rafael E. Mendoza, M.D.

Dr. Rafael “Ray” Enrique Mendoza, M.D. of West Covina, California, passed away on September 2nd, 2026 having fought a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 96. Rafael, son of Enrique Mendoza and Maria Isabel Jorge, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1930. He moved to New York City in 1939. He received his bachelors degree from Long Island University and then attendended New York Medical college and graduated with honors in 1957. After doing his internship at St. Mary’s hospital in San Francisco he served as a Captain in the US Army in Korea. Upon discharge he completed his residency of anesthesiology in Los Angeles County Hospital. In 1962 he was one of the first anesthesiologists hired at the new Queen of the Valley hospital in West Covina where he purchased a home and has lived for the past 64 years. Ray was a lover of fine wine and gourmet dining. He also had a passion for cooking and hosting dinners for family and friends. Other interests included dogs, classical music and traveling the world. He will be truly missed by family, fellow colleagues and friends. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 22nd at 2:30PM at the Church of Our Heritage at Forest Lawn Covina Hills, CA.