Andrew's story begins with the roles he held in life, of which he had many. He was known as son, brother, uncle ("Unc"), great-uncle, brother-in-law, co-worker, and friend. He lived by the golden rule: treat others as you want to be treated. He was humble, generous, funny, kind-hearted, inspirational, and loving. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all.

Andrew began his law enforcement career on November 18, 2002 and went on to serve a total of 14 ½ years as a law enforcement officer.

A true rarity in this world, he was a living example of compassion, acceptance, and kindness. In conversation, he had a knack for saying a lot with a few words. He cared deeply for his family and friends and was always supportive and encouraging. To know Andrew was to love Andrew.

He was an eclectic person with a wide taste in music and movies which he enjoyed sharing with any and everyone. Drew or Dozer, as his co-workers and friends called him, always kept them smiling and laughing despite the seriousness of their job. He enjoyed showing off his thunderous and fast-as-lightning bowling skills and he always opened his home and was ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who had a need. He was a great man with a huge heart.

Andrew also had the gift of making people laugh. He had the best smile and the goofiest laugh that he had no problem sharing. He had an uncanny ability to say the funniest thing at just the right moment.

Andrew is survived by his devoted parents, Andrew Mendoza Sr. and Emilia Mendoza; his siblings, Julie Sipriano and her husband Bart, John De Luna and his wife Cathy, Martha Wright and her husband, Bill, Catherine Gonzalez and her husband, Tino, Sally Luna, and Andree Vera and her husband Daniel and numerous nephews and nieces, all of whom he adored.

It goes without saying that his family and friends loved him deeply. He was a blessing every day and our world was always brighter when he was around. We will miss his smile, his laugh, his gentleness, his strength, his bear hugs, his sense of humor and his sweet spirit. For all things there is season, some are far too short. We thank the Lord for the time he gave us with Andrew and we look forward to the day we will see him again.

~~~~•~~~~

I am not gone
I remain here beside you
Just in a different form
Look for me in your heart
And there you will find me
in our love which forever lives on
In those moments when you feel alone
Look for me in your thoughts
And there you will find me
in sweet memories that burn strong
Every time a tear
Forms in your beautiful eyes
Look up to the heavens
And there you will see me
Smiling down from God’s glorious skies

~Injete Chesoni~

I give you this one thought to keep.
I am with you still. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone.
I am with you still in each new dawn.

~Native American Poem~

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