Obituary of Daniel F. Mendonca Sr.

Dan Mendonca Sr., 88, Took God's hand in the early morning on December 26, 2023, He was born on June 1st, 1935, and a lifelong resident of Hollister, California. Dan served in the National Guard as a Heavy Weapons Infantryman from 1953 to 1959. His dedication and commitment to his military service were commendable, and he proudly served his country. In his professional life, Dan worked for the County Road Department, E.A Thompson as a truck driver. However, his most cherished job was working for Tiffany Motors Transportation as a school bus driver. He loved ensuring the safe and happy transportation of children to and from school. During his retirement, Dan found fulfillment in driving for Jovenis de Antonio Meals on Wheels Dan was a beloved man who touched the lives of many. He had a kind and gentle nature, and his warm personality drew him to everyone he met. Known for his sense of humor, he always had a joke or a story to share. Dan had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, camping, and barbecuing. He also had a green thumb and took great pride in tending to his vegetable gardens. In his spare time, he played the guitar and had a small band he called the Country Boys for many years. They performed at local parties and barbecues, with Dan singing his idol Hank Williams Sr.'s songs, as well as favorites from Johnny Cash. One of the highlights for Dan was performing in the yearly San Benito County Horse Show Parade. His music and vibrant spirit will sing to us in our dreams and live with us in our hearts forever. Dan Mendonca Sr, if you met him you liked him right away, and if you knew him you loved him. His memory will forever be cherished, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. Dan is survived by his sons, Dan Mendonca Jr. (Renee) and Ken Mendonca (Karen), his daughter Debie Graves, and his grandchildren Adam Graves, Aaron Graves (Trish), Lindsey Mendonca, Jared Mendonca (Tiffany), Stacia Mendonca, and Kenny Mendonca Jr. Great-grandchildren Kylie Auld, Austin Auld, Loralie Ladd, Marshall Ladd, Clayton Mendonca, Jaxson Mendonca, and Goldie Graves. Brother John Thomas, sisters Erma Vigna, and Lois Acquistapace. Sister-in-law Beverly (Diane) Almada. Brother-in-law Tom Davis ( Elonore) as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dan is preceded in death by his father, Louis Mendonca, his mother, Louise Vellho, the mother of his children Selma Davis, his brothers Joseph Mendonca, Charles Mendonca, Curtis Mendonca, and Joey Thomas. Brother-in-laws Tony Vigna, Gene Acquistapace, Nelson (Butch) Davis, Gary Almada. There will be a celebration of life on January 26th, 3:30 pm at Pains Restaurant, Hollister California.