Donald A. Mendez, 83, of New Bedford passed away Saturday July 1, 2017 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Marie A. (Sylvia) Mendez.
Born in Hanover, MA, the son of the late Pedro and Marie Alice (Burgo) Mendez, he lived in New Bedford for most of his life.
He was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, where he was an altar server in his youth.
Mr. Mendez was formerly employed as a plant manager for Ocean Spray Cranberry until his retirement.
During the Korean War, he served in the U. S. Marine Corps.
An accomplished bass player, he played for many years as a member of his father's band, "The Antones," and his brother's band, "The Golden Clefts." He was an avid soccer player with his brothers. He was a boxer while in the Marine Corps and was a Golden Gloves boxer in New Bedford. He was a self-taught woodcarver and artist.
He is survived by four children, Donald A. Mendez, Jr., Donna M. Moniz, David W. Mendez, and Dennis J. Mendez; five grandchildren, Nicholas and Roxanne Moniz, and David R., Donnelle, and Donita Mendez; six great-grandchildren, Alexis, Adrian, Angel, Olivia, Zaryana, and Zavanah; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Joan Pina, and Gilbert, Allan, and Lawrence Mendez.
His Funeral will be held on Friday at 10:30 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 11:30 AM. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-8 PM. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.