Joseph Ignacio Mendonca, Jr.

The last of 8 children, Joe was born to Portuguese immigrants, Joe Sr and Mary, on September 2, 1943 in their Visalia home. He went to be with the Lord on March 11, 2026 from his home in Bakersfield at the age of 82. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by siblings: Mary, Marian, Erma, Manuel, Rose, Frank, and Madeline. Growing up on the family dairy farm, Joe learned the value of hard work and a love of the outdoors. In his teen years, he was known for being a bit of a rebel and a Hot Rodder in his 409 powered, Roman Red, 1962 Chevrolet Impala. That lasted until 1963 when Joe became a husband and a father, marrying Ellen Jane Donahue and having 3 children: Joey (Shari), Jack (Andrea), and Jennifer (Andrew). As part of a large family, an extremely large extended family, and being deeply involved with the larger Portuguese community; Joe loved to socialize and be around others whenever possible. He rarely missed an opportunity to serve and celebrate at the PPAV Hall and never missed an opportunity for fun conversation with anyone who would take the time to talk with him. Joe typically tried to figure out if his new friend was unknowingly related and it was surprising just how many times that they actually were. The running joke in our family is that Pop knows EVERYONE. Prior to 2023, when he went to live in Bakersfield with his son Joey and daughter-in-law Shari, Joe had been a lifelong Visalia resident. He loved farming and worked in agriculture for most of his career; though in his 20's, he was well known and sought out for his carpet laying skills. Generous to a fault, Joe always made time to help others whether it required his time, talent, or treasure. He truly loved giving and serving at the PPAV in particular, where he took great joy and pride in cooking Sopas for many Festas. Joe also served with the Goshen Mounted Police for many years with his brother Manuel. His other interests included family, friends, dancing, bowling, bird hunting, riding horses, team roping, and telling jokes. In addition to his children, Joe's legacy includes 5 grandchildren (Amanda, Zachary, Andrew, Sydney, and Sierra) and 10 great-grandchildren (Amaya, Aiden, Arianna, Tyce, Charlotte, Beau, Levi, Juniper, Aurora, and Iris). Joe will be greatly missed, but we find comfort in knowing that he is with our Lord and Savior. We also know that Joe (aka Dad, Pops, Papa Joe, and Tony) will be waiting at the Golden Gates to greet us again one day. Services will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 9:30am at St. Mary's Church, 608 N. Church St, Visalia, CA 93291, followed by a graveside service at the Visalia Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Portuguese Pentecostal Association of Visalia (PPAV) in honor of Joe. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Joseph Ignacio Mendonca, Jr.

September 2, 1943 - March 11, 2026