William Mendonca

1926 - 2013

WILLIAM MENDONCA A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 11 , 2013 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. for William Mendonca. A loving Husband, Father and Grandfather, passed away June 2, 2013 surrounded by his family. William was born to John and Antonia Mendonca on October 7, 1926. He was born and raised here in Chico, he had a lot of great stories about how much he loved this town. He graduated from Chico Senior High in 1945 although he didn't go to school very much. He worked at the studebaker garage doing brakes and services while in school. His Father passed away when Willie was only 14 year old. He and his brother John together finished paying for the Ranch they grew up and lived on. He was drafted into the Army when he was 26. When he returned home he worked with his brother for 2 years at the GM garage. In 1954 William and John opened Mendonca Brother's Automotive on Nord Ave. They were the only mechanics' around, at the time, that did after hours service calls. He married his love Leonila on November 13, 1971 at Saint John the Baptist Church. He and Nila enjoyed taking yearly trips to Pismo Beach and a few to the Azores islands where Nila is from and William's parents immigrated from. Willie also loved watching 49er football. He retired from the automotive business in 1978 and went into managing properties. He worked very hard all his life! He is preceded in death by his Father John Mendonca, his Mother Antonia Mendonca, His brother John, sisters Cora and Mary and a niece Vivian. He is survived by his Wife Leonila, his daughter Janice and her husband Shad Lindquist and grandchildren William and Amelia and many nieces and nephews in California and the Azores islands. William loved life he was a serious man yet he was always smiling. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. A viewing will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. and a rosary recited at 7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He will be laid to rest at Glen Memorial Park. Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to St. Johns Catholic Church in care of Bruise Funeral Home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.brusiefh.com