Ernesto Mendoza Sr.

The angels sang “Amazing Grace, the Lord came down, touched your face. He held your hand, whispered low, “come with me, it’s time to go.”

Ernesto Mendoza Sr., age 82, of Findlay, went to his eternal home in heaven on July 28, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Born November 20, 1938 in N.L. Tamaulipas, Mexico, he was the son of the late Felix and Josefina (Contreras) Mendoza Sr. Ernesto met the love of his life, Concepcion Bernal, and they were united in marriage on February 24, 1963.

As an avid Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Cubs fan, Ernesto was quite the talented sportsman himself. As an almost Minor League baseball star, Ernesto’s love of baseball led him to play many positions, and boy did he play them well! He even acquired the nickname “La Tapa”. But his love of sports didn’t stop there. He loved boxing, football, and was famous for convincing friends and family to play “one more round” of cornhole, which often went late into the evening.

Aside from sports, music was like a second language to Ernesto. From his years as lead singer of Los Luceros to being a beautiful guitar player and talented songwriter, he loved to serenade his wife with beautiful songs he wrote himself. With a home full of laughter, love, and music, it was easy to see the love between Ernesto and his wife as they sang together at any given time, even if no one was around. 

Well-known for his sweet smile, big heart, and immense love for his family, Ernesto’s passion for life also extended into business and the role he played in his community. After retiring from Phillips 66 in 1983, Ernesto became the owner of a tire shop in N.L. Mexico, and eventually the Mendoza Tex-Mex Grocery and Mendoza Tex-Mex Carry-Out in Findlay, Ohio. These businesses were more than just a valued resource to the local community. Over the years, they served as a second home-base for family and friends to build relationships and memories together. Ernesto’s strong work ethic and dedication to giving back to others, without expecting anything in return, built a foundation of love, respect, and hope for the future generations that succeed him. 

Ernesto leaves behind his wife, Concepcion Mendoza, of 58 years. His memory will live on through his 6 children, Ernie Mendoza Jr., Connie (Alejandro) Yruegas, Norma A. Mendoza (fiancé Jamie Maas), Veronica (Emo) Miranda Jr., Rick (Alma) Mendoza, and Alex (Racheal) Mendoza. In addition, he was blessed with 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Ernesto is also survived by his siblings, Gloria M. Salazar, Henriqueta M. (Samuel) Guajardo, Felix Mendoza Jr., Antonia M. Fuentes, and Irma C. Mendoza.

Friends and family may visit from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Hufford Family Funeral Home, 1500 Manor Hill Rd. Findlay, OH 45840 (419-422-1500) where a Rosary service will be held at 6:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 750 Bright Rd. Findlay, OH 45840 with Fr. Peter Grodi as celebrant. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Ernesto’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Bridge Home Health and Hospice Care Center. 

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