Leo Valentino Mendez, age 80, passed away October 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born and raised in the hills of West Virginia to his late parents Manuel and Dolores Mendez. As a young man he then moved to Detroit to start and raise his new family. He was one of 10 children preceded in passing by Manuel Jr., Tony, Mary, Theresa and survived by Ramona (James), Viola, Lydia (Samuel), Josie (Christopher), and Mario (Phyllis).
Leo is survived by his beloved wife Sharon of 59 years. He is the devoted father of Leo Jr. (Kerry), Christopher (Amy), Patrick (Stacey), Anthony Scott (Kelly) and a loving Grandpa/Papa/Bumpa of Spencer, McKenize, Vita, Madilynn, Cruz, Lily, Tony, Emily, Grace, Eva, Aiden, Steven (Lauren), Amanda and Great Grandfather of Bryce, Chase, and Milena with dozens of nieces and nephews.
While he worked at General Motors building Cadillacs for 37 years and then serving the Detroit Tigers as an usher at Comerica Park for another 16 years, he would also be found supporting and following his sons and grandchildren throughout the United States at baseball/football/softball/lacrosse fields, basketball/volleyball courts, swim meets and wrestling matches among other family events.
He was a lover of sports, music, cars, traveling, food, gardening, and good ole tinkering! He was one to never sit in one spot for too long. He will be forever remembered as a man who was proud to be from Detroit and West Virginia while always being kind and thoughtful to all of whom he often welcomed into his family, home and gatherings.
But most importantly, he will be forever remembered as a man who was proud of and loved his family in all that they have done and continue to do in making the world a better place the Mendez way!
Visitation will take place on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Hackett-Metcalf Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 5:00 p.m. Family and Friend will have an opportunity to share stories and memories about Leo following the Funeral Service. Visitation will continue after the Memory Sharing until 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his Honor to the American Cancer Society as many of his family and friends have had numerous battles with cancer. https://donate.cancer.org