Manuel Ponce Mendez

Manuel P. Mendez of Anaheim, CA, architect, Orange County community activist, lay minister, mentor and World War II Combat Veteran of Okinawa passed away in the arms of his daughter Addie Griset at the age of 100 in Durham, NH on April 15, 2023.

“Manny” will be laid to rest with his dear wife of 59 years Mary Louis at Rose Hills, Whittier, CA on June 8th in a graveside service at 11 AM. Details and directions can be found on the Rose Hills website.

Born in San Gabriel, raised in E. Los Angeles graduate of Lincoln H.S., he enlisted in the Navy in 1942, rose to “surgical assistant” Petty Officer Pharmacist Mate 2nd. In 1944 he volunteered for overseas duty, was attached to the Marines as a Corpsman and served in combat with the 6th Marine Division during the Okinawa invasion (Presidential Unit Citation), then “Participated in the initial landing and occupation of the Japanese Homeland” witnessing the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay.

Always a positive thinker, upon discharge, “Manny” married, attended L.A. City College and U.S.C., earned his private pilot’s license and became a prominent Architect in Orange County. In the late 50’s he became heavily involved in mentoring, advocating and representing minority interests regarding improved educational and economic opportunities, Fair Housing reform and Community Re-development and planning.

“Manny” help form, advise or served on numerous Boards, Commissions and Community Organizations including the Anaheim Redevelopment Commission, Executive Committee, United Way of Orange County, Orange County Overall Economic Development Planning Committee, State Advisory Committee California Post-Secondary Education Commission, State Planning Board for the Developmentally Disabled - Area XI, Board of Directors Urban Resource Center, UC Irvine, University of California Project 21 Team Leadership for Urban Problem Solving, Coordinator Freedom Council Defending Religious Freedoms, Field Representative Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship, Presidents Advisory Committee on Minority Affairs at UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton, Founder Housing Corporation of Orange County, Chairman Greater Los Angeles Chapter, NOAH, National Organization for the Advancement of Hispanics and provided expert testimony before the US Senate Select Committee on Equal Education Opportunity before the 91st Congress.

Later in life he expanded his focus to include faith-based initiatives including the Christian Business Men’s Committee of Downey and the founding and building of churches (as an example, the Iglesia Presbteriana El Siloe Church) in minority areas.

Those that knew “Manny” Mendez, or just came into contact with him, knew he was a man always looking for positive change and the best from everyone he met, paying it forward and always with a compliment and a smile.

Manuel is survived by his daughter Addie and son-in-law Brian Griset, his son Gilbert Parra, two grandsons Joshua Griset, Matthew Griset and wife Rebecca, his great grandchildren Avery, Parker, Matthew Jr., Evelyn and his brother John Mendez, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation to charity in Manny’s name, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).