Juan M. Mendez passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2020 from heart complications at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL with his loving wife and daughters at his side. He was born on September 19, 1946 in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Gladys, his daughters, Tanya (Kamran) and Laura (Edgar), grandchildren Jordan, Angelina, Ryan and Mila; sisters Luz and Esther; nieces and nephews, Eliza, Eddie, Tina-Maria and Jimmy. He was a cousin and friend to many. Juan was an attorney and businessman. He was a graduate of Wells High School, Wright Jr. College, Northeastern University and DePaul Law School. He served in the US Army from 1969-1971. He was very active in his community and will be missed by many. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, and in lieu of flowers, you may visit the extended obituary at cremation-society.com to make a donation to Juan's memorial fund.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on May 24, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Juan Mendez

16 Entries

Philip & Maria Flores

May 26, 2025

Remembering you and Carmen.

Mark and Vicki Walston

August 6, 2024

Juan and Gladys are wonderful people! Always caring for others! Juan will be missed!

George Colon

May 30, 2020

He was a good friend, mentor and will always be remembered and loved. My condolences to Glady and the girls, Luz and family.

Maria Gonzalez

May 30, 2020

Excellent human being. Godfather to our daughter Dana and good friend to us her parents David & Maria

Maria Gonzalez

May 29, 2020

Carlos Hernandez

May 28, 2020

Juan Mendez was one of the greatest community leaders who contributed so much time to his beloved Puerto Rican community and beyond. He supported in many ways civic collaboration and youth educational music and arts programming efforts. Chicago has lost a giant and he will truly be missed by many. RIP Juan

Sam & Bruny Santiago

May 27, 2020

Our Deepest Sympathy Dearest Gladys, Tanya, Laura & Family.
Juan was a very special loving friend, mentor to so many, he meant so much to us and others. Remembering a few of the wonderful joyful memories..sitting in Santorini, Greece, as we enjoyed quality time together.! Juan will always live in our hearts, as his legacy will continue.. We'll Forever Miss and Love Juan. Gladys, may God Bless and help you find comfort, peace among your family & friends. We Pray and Love you all, we're here for you.
RIP Our Dear Juan

Puerto Rican Police Association

May 27, 2020

Don. Juan Mendez,
You will be remembered as great man, an outstanding leader and mentor that we will truly miss. Being able to talk with him about community issues was an honor and privilege that made us understand why he worked so hard for our community. Gone but youll never be forgotten...

Sandra Feliciano

May 26, 2020

My Dearest Gladys, Tanya and Laura Mendez and family. I cannot find words to express how deeply sorry we are of Juans passing.
My family is saddened by his passing and your loss. We have known Juan and you for so many years. He was always there for my family and me. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, mentor and more to so many. He made a difference in this world in so many beautiful ways. He would never turn his back on anyone, always helping.
Juan, we/I will miss you deeply, but I know you will continue your work from above. Watch over Gladys, the girls, the grandkids and your sisters, and all those that you left behind. May you be lifted up into the arms of our Lord and Rest In Peace, my dear friend. We love you, Gladys and the family. Until we meet again. ❤
Sandra Feliciano y Ofelina Uroza y family

Nellie & Philip Flores

May 26, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Xavier Velez

May 26, 2020

Juan we will miss you so mutch, You were a great teacher, mentor, friend, you will always be in our memories & hart. Ill alway remember what you told me once Help other to grow and you will grow. May God bless you and your family always. You have a friend here in P.R. R.I.P

Gladys Santiago

May 25, 2020

Juan made one feel welcomed in his presence. This was surely an aspect of his soul. May you rest in heavenly peace Juan. My deepest condolences to your family and dearest friends. Thank you for all that you did to advance our community. You will be missed. Sincerely, Gladys Santiago in photo with Manny Ortiz and beloved Juan Mendez.

Brenda Serrano

May 25, 2020

A man of honor, integrity, compassion and wisdom. He gave his all to those he came in contact with. He and Gladys both took me under their wings and bestowed love and wisdom. I will so miss you my friend, till we meet again. Bendicion ❤

Angelo Tato Sanchez

May 25, 2020

Gladys and family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Tato Sanchez

May 24, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful friend. We will love you and miss you always. RIP

Angelo & Carmen Sanchez

May 24, 2020

We have lost a large tree in the forest. Juan was a pillar in our community who was loved by many. We will miss him tremendously. Juanito will live in our hearts forever. RIP putative brother.

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