José "Mickey" Miguel Mendez

José “Mickey” Miguel Mendez was born on January 1, 1956 to José Luis Mendez and Sara C. Lopez in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He attended the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras to receive an undergraduate degree in Chemistry & Biology and Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA to receive a master’s degree in Logistics. José married his wife of thirty-two years, Michelle Matta Mendez, on March 4, 1989 at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. He is survived by his wife, son José Manuel Mendez (wife Sara), son Victor Isaiah Mendez, sister Sara I. Mendez López (husband Andrés), many nieces and nephews and long-time best friend Hector Cuevas. José “Mickey” departed this life on December 1, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents José Luis Mendez and Sara C. Lopez. He was foremost a husband, father, son, and brother. Mickey also served his country as he rose through the ranks as a cadet in his college Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force (USAF) from 1978 to 2000. He continued to serve his country as a federal employee with the General Services Administration, always honoring the principle of justice for all. He served those around him as a friend, comedian, and supporter through all challenges and tribulations. During his life, Mickey was a man who never took a day for granted. He always had a plan and often acted as the “man of action” for his wife Michelle. Whether it was planning the next travel adventure, debating sports with his son José Manuel, or chatting about Star Wars with his son Victor, he made every moment count. Through his tireless efforts, he instilled the same values in his loved ones. He inspired us to follow our passions and dreams. His dauntless spirit surrounds us as an enduring blessing. The sudden and unexpected loss of José “Mickey” Mendez has shaken all those who knew him, but we take solace that he passed with nothing but love in his heart. We carry on his legacy, wishes, and guiding principles: to talk and truly communicate with others, to follow through on our plans and desires, and to never give up when life presents adversity. A visitation to honor Mickey’s life will be held be held on Thursday, December 10, 2020 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM in the chapel of Osceola Memory Gardens, St. Cloud. He will be laid to rest at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on Friday, December 11, 2020 at 11:00 AM with Military Honors provided by the United States Air Force and the N. Brevard County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mickey's memory may be made to "Wreaths Across America" at: https://donate.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ Arrangements are under the care of Osceola Memory Gardens Cemetery, Funeral Home and Crematory, 2000 13th Street, St. Cloud, FL 34769. 407.957.2511. www.osceolamemgds.com.

José "Mickey" Miguel Mendez

January 1, 1956 - December 1, 2020