Ernesto Cataga Mendoza

At 98 years youthful, Ernesto Mendoza passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 6, 2018, in his Burbank, CA home surrounded by his family who love him as generously as his giving spirit. He is survived by Aurora, his wife of 64 years, with whom they raised 7 children - Agnes, Ernesto "Toti" Jr., Nanette, Raymund "Bobit", Celina "Lenie", Ezekiel "Zeky", and Noralyn. His exemplary life was filled with laughter, adventure rooted in integrity, hard work, and kindness.

There was the life in America, the love of Aurora, and the early years.

At a time when most people his age were retiring, he immigrated to the United States and started anew at 64 years of age in Los Angeles, inevitably working until his mid-to-late 70s, with his longest stint as a clerk at the Immigration and Naturalization Services. And for 3 decades prior to the US, he practiced civil, criminal, and corporate law. One family lore revolves around his purchase of a 1978 Mitsubishi Galant but was delivered a 1977 model. He sued Mitsubishi, representing himself; settled out of court and rewarded with the vehicle and an undisclosed cash settlement.

While Aurora was his one and only forever love (whom he married on April 12, 1955), Ernie's family was his greatest hits. Our family is loud, raucous, fun, and most often gathered around the dinner table with extended relatives and friends visiting about. As eloquent as Ernie was, he reserved his best wit and charm when on full display of affection for his beloved wife at these gatherings. There was inevitable banter between the Mendoza matriarch and patriarch at which point Rory would be lavished with swooning praise that would leave others embarrassed yet left Ernie proud.

A recent recipient of the US Congressional Medal of Honor for fighting in World War II alongside the Americans, Ernie joined the Philippine army as a 21 year old soldier. He rarely spoke of the war and his time as a PoW in the Bataan Death March in April 1942. But it was his participation in WWII that allowed him to move his family to the US.

Ernie was born to Fermin and Paulina Mendoza on November 2nd, 1920 in Taal, Batangas, Philippines, a small municipality approximately 100 km south of Metro Manila. He brought the world his infectious smile, inimitable style, natural zest for living. He will be greatly missed.

Ernie's Branches of Life:
1. Agnes, children Vincent (wife Yasmin; children Isabella, Alessandra, and Joaquin) and Nicole (husband Kenny)
2. Ernesto Jr. "Toti" and wife Annie; sons Siegfried (wife Becca; children Axel, Althea) and Siegmund
3. Nanette and husband Joel; children Mark and Rachel
4. Raymund "Bobit", children Lawrence and Zarina
5. Celina "Lenie" and husband Pancho, sons Carl, Lance (and daughter Ava) and Miguel
6. Ezekiel "Zeky" and wife Mila
7. Noralyn and husband Richard, children Justin, Tristan and Lauren

Siblings Rudy, Virginia and Flory.