Robert A. Mendoza

Robert A. Mendoza (Bob), age 76, of Hampden, MA was Called Safely Home on Sunday, December 2, 2018. He was born on April 22, 1942 in New Bedford to the late Joseph and Mary Mendoza.  Bob was raised in New Bedford until middle school when his family relocated to Northampton. He graduated from Smith Vocational High School in 1960 and enlisted in the United States Air Force.  Following his military service he worked for United Technologies. When an opportunity presented itself, Bob pursued his dream and opened his own restaurant, Bob’s Super Sub Shop on White Street in Springfield, home of the “original” 6 foot grinder. Eventually, he returned to, and retired from, United Technologies. In his retirement he drove for the LPVEC and coached youth sports in Hampden.  Bob leaves his beloved wife Janice (Bowker) Mendoza.  They were blessed to celebrate 53 years of marriage together and have shared a joyful life with their son Dave Mendoza and his wife Teresa (Lysy) Mendoza of South Hadley.  Bob will also be missed deeply by his two grandchildren, Brady and Madison, whom he enjoyed encouraging and supporting in all their endeavors. He was predeceased by his brothers Richard and Joseph Mendoza.  Active in his biblical beliefs, Bob attended a number of area churches, including Bethlehem Church in Hampden with Janice. He enjoyed spending time encouraging others to grow in their faith and generally socializing with everyone he met.  Bob will be sadly missed and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him and whose lives he touched. His Committal Service with United States Air Force Military Honors will be held privately at the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery Agawam. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service to honor Bob on Friday, December 7, 2018 at 10:30 am at Bethlehem Church, 123 Allen Street, Hampden. For those who prefer and in lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made to the Pioneer Valley USO, 250 Jenkins Street, Box 17, Westover A.R.B. Chicopee, MA 01022. For more information, please visit us at www.byronkeenan.com