A longtime resident of Peterborough, Ontario, Ruben Mendoza is a native of the city. Has sadly passed away and was accompanied by family and friends at the time of their passing. We are going to miss him very much. As the son of Jose Maria Mendoza and Dolores Martinez Mendoza, who both passed away before his birth, he was born on June 2, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri. On March 10, 1960, he tied the knot with Norma Uptain in Webster Groves, Missouri, and she is still alive until today.
It had been more than 15 years since Ruben had worked as a barber for his community, and he had retired from his position as the proprietor of Mendoza Sporting Goods in Granite City after more than 20 years of devoted service. The veteran of the United States Army served his country with honor during the Korean War and was awarded the Korean Service medal along with three Bronze Service Stars for his service.
In addition to being a member of the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame, he was also a member of the Mexican Honorary Commission and the Illinois Youth Soccer Association. One of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of the United States, Ruben has been a member of three United States Olympic Teams and two World Cup Teams.
As a licensed referee and coach for child soccer, he was acknowledged with being the founding father of youth soccer in the Metro East. He was also a coach for youth soccer. 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.
One of his great-grandchildren, Kyle Chism, as well as one of his brothers, Hector Mendoza, and two of his sisters, Ofelia Antoff and Dora Mendoza, passed away before him. His parents were also among those who passed away before him. Ruben was cherished by everyone, and his absence will be sorely felt.
Those who are left to cherish his memory are his father, Roberto Mendoza, as well as his thirteen brothers and sisters: Rachael Berry, Raul (Patty) Mendoza, Rosa Mendoza, Roberto Mendoza Jr., Elizabeth Mendoza of Amherst, Ricardo (Donna) Mendoza, Rogelio (Michelle) Mendoza of Salisbury, North Carolina, Esther (Joe) Bailey of Copperas Cove, Texas, Estela Mendoza of Winterhaven, Florida, Evangelina (Roy) Johnson of Amherst, Elva Mendoza, Rene (Jennifer) Mendoza, Rebecca (Mike) Arena of Vermilion, and a large number of nephews and nieces.
