Michael Alan Mendoza

Michael Alan Mendoza peacefully left this earth in the dawning hours of Sunday, September 30, 2018 at his home, defeated by failing lungs. He was a strong spiritual soul who completely trusted the universe to guide him to where he should be. Michael was born November 28, 1947 in Atascadero, California and grew up in Palo Alto, California with his older brother Gene in a house built by his uncle for his mother after his father passed away. After graduating high school, Michael and the local justice department felt joining the Navy was a good plan. He did two tours of duty (1966-1970), aboard the USS Hornet CV12 in the Gulf of Tonken, Vietnam as a damage control specialist (fireman). He received the National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Metal with One Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Metal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Metal (Korea). After the Navy, Michael returned to California and music was his focus. He was part of the San Francisco 60's music scene and was signed to a contract with RCA Recording, producing one album before they sent him to England in 1972 where they felt his metaphysical music would be successful. He spent a year living in London and Paris and traveling all over Europe playing music. At the suggestion of the French and Spanish authorities he eventually returned to the United States through New York and hitchhiked back to San Francisco and music. He married Gael Belden, gained a daughter Dawn, and they eventually settled in Ojai, California where Gael and Dawn still reside. He attended Ventura College before moving to Belfair, Washington in 1976 where he stayed until coming to Florida in 1980. He was brought to Florida as a birthday surprise for a Florida lady he met while she was on summer vacation in Belfair and loved Florida so much that upon returning to Belfair and the winter snow, he sold everything he had except his guitars and within 48 hours returned to the warm sunshine and never left. He had found his forever home. He was the musical director of Dubsdread Country Club restaurant from 1981-1994, for years hosting the Tuesday night open-mike for acoustical musician and just about anyone who wanted to play or perform. He used this venue to audition the acoustic players and would book them to perform at Dubsdread, many of them going on to life-long careers in music. Dubsdread was a special place for all who were a part of it that still lives on in memories often shared on the Facebook Dubsdread Reunion page. Michael was the catalyst that made it happen, music always surrounded him and his delight was in encouraging other to play and sing. In 1981 he moved onto a houseboat he named Lady Rain docked at the Monroe Harbour Marina, Sanford, Florida always known as the Island to the locals. Lady Rain was replaced by the Seahawk and Michael lived aboard in the marina for 10 years. Michael played music and entertained all over Central Florida and the coast, sometimes solo and others times with Allen Stowell or Paul Champion. He was the instigator of what became known as the Sunday afternoon Dock and Shop jam session, (now the St. Johns River Steak and Seafood restaurant). It was an amazing group of musicians and singers that filled the air with song. During this time his beloved wife Sharon (Sherry) came into his life and changed everything for both of them forever. Michael and Sherry were together for almost 35 years, 20 of them after a wedding on May 9, 1999, that will always be remembered as one grand party. Together they traveled to so many places often to spend Christmas somewhere new. They both would tell you they had a wonderful, adventure filled, joyful life and New Orleans was their favorite destination. He and Sherry rode Harley Davidsons and were a common sight on the roads of Sanford. Michael deeply loved four things, in order: Sherry, his Harley, the Seattle Seahawks, and his Martin D28 guitar
He is survived by his wife Sharon (Sherry) Mendoza, his bother Eugene Mendoza, (Nezzie), his daughter Dawn Belden-Hope (Barkley), stepsons Charles Davis (Tiffany), and Jason Davis (Holly), and grandchildren Amanda, Elyjah, Alexia, Savannah, Brooke, Caroline, Nova, and soon to be Shelby.
A celebration of his life is being planned for the very near future. Wounded Warrior would be his choice for anyone inclined to make a donation in his honor.

Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, 905 Laurel Ave. Sanford, Florida 32771, 407-695-CARE(2273)