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Ruben Mendoza Obituary
Ruben Mendoza, age 78, of Granite City, passed away at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., on Sunday, April 11, 2010.
He was born on June 2, 1931, in St. Louis, Mo., a son of the late Jose Maria and Dolores Martinez Mendoza.
He married Norma Uptain on March 10, 1960, in Webster Groves, Mo., and she survives.
Ruben had served his community as a barber for over 15 years and had retired as the owner of Mendoza Sporting Goods in Granite City after over 20 years of dedicated service.
The United States Army veteran proudly served his country during the Korean War and was the recipient of the Korean Service medal with three Bronze Service Stars.
He was a member of the Mexican Honorary Commission, Illinois Youth Soccer Association and the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame.
Ruben was a prolific goal scorer and had represented the United States on three U.S. Olympic Teams and two World Cup Teams. He was a certified referee and coach for youth soccer and was credited as the founding father of youth soccer in the Metro East.
In addition to his beloved wife of 50 years, he is survived by six children and their spouses, Julie Barnes of Granite City, Danny Mendoza of Granite City, David and Pam Mendoza of Collinsville, Sam and Karen Mendoza of New Jersey, Marta and Tom Scatturo of Granite City and Lia and Marc Sova of Edwardsville; thirteen grandchildren, Melodie, Brett, Sean, Carla, Mandy, Davey, Alyssa, Jaime, Marissa, Sammy, Zach, McKenna and Isabela; four great grandchildren, Kaleb, Kolton, Kwinton, and Carly; one brother and sister-in-law, Juvenal and Josephine Mendoza of St. Louis; a large extended family and many friends.
In addition to his beloved parents, he was preceded in death by one great grandson, Kyle Chism; one brother, Hector Mendoza and two sisters, Ofelia Antoff and Dora Mendoza.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be at 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, April 13, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road, in Granite City.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, April 14, at the funeral home, with Rev. Jeremy A. Drake officiating.
Burial with full military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.
Memorials may be made to the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame or to the family and may be accepted at the funeral home.
Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Rd., in Granite City is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruben Mendoza
Donna London
April 24, 2010
Norma so very sorry to hear of your loss, you are in my prayers
Dawne Chrusciel
April 17, 2010
Dave, my condolences on the loss of your father... you may remember
me from Dave's Cappuccino... prayers for your family...
Dawne
Trish Earnhart
April 13, 2010
To Danny and the rest of the Mendoza Family. My condolencens are with all of you. You are all in my thoughts and Prayers Trish Quik-Trip south
Steve Nonn
April 13, 2010
Ruben was truly the father of soccer in Granite City, I played for his Lincoln Place team starting in 1962 when very few people in this town even knew about the sport.He was a true gentleman and a fantastic teacher of the game. My sincere condolences to Norma, David, Danny, Marta and to the rest of his family. I consider myself fortunate to have known him.
JRM
April 13, 2010
I remember Ruben when he sold me my first pair of soccer shoes. I rarely sign guest books except for people whom I believe made a difference in my life and the community. Ruben Mendoza fit's both. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Mendoza family. Your Dad was the man who helped mold Granite City into the soccer powerhouse it was.
Richard
April 13, 2010
My condolences to the Mendoza family, I was fortunate enough to know Ruben and his family personally as far back as I can remember, he and my dad grew up together, I had the pleasure of working with him at the old army depot years ago, and as long as I can remember he was always a very kind, great and fun person to be around, a true gentleman and class act who will be missed by the whole community.
on behalf of John B Valencia and family, Danny, Dave, and anyone else I might have left out, you have our deepest sympathies.
Richard Valencia (G.C.-IL.)
April 13, 2010
Dave, Danny and the rest of the Mendoza family please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Karen Doty-Beasley, Granite City, IL
April 13, 2010
Dave and family, I am very sorry for your loss. I will always remember
how easy going and caring to kids the "Rube" always was and how I always enjoyed going to his old sporting goods store with my dad.
I'm sure my dad was one of the first to welcome Ruben home.
Tibor Todd Toth
Dennis Baricevic
April 13, 2010
My father, Charlie Baricevic, also spoke well of Ruben. I found out how great a guy he was through playing soccer against him. He played hard. He played clean. A gentleman on and off the field. My deepest sympathies.
Patty Nieciecki-Raynor
April 13, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Mendoza family.
Brian Cholevik
April 13, 2010
Ruben is one of the most influential soccer minds in the area. His former teammates, players, and collegues will miss him dearly.
Dawn O'Leary
April 13, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Mendoza was a great supporter of youth soccer in Granite City when I was girl. I remember him as being extremely kind to all of the kids who came into his shop with their parents. It's a great loss.
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