Reynaldo Mendoza

Reynaldo “Rey” Mendoza passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, at the age of 71, surrounded by his family and loved ones. A dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend, Rey will be remembered for his generosity, adventurous spirit, unwavering faith, and genuine love for others.

Rey was born on October 27, 1954, in Manila, Philippines, to Ciriaco Bautista Mendoza and Fidela Batungbakal de Guzman. He was one of many siblings, growing up in a close-knit family whose bond remained strong throughout their lives. His siblings are Florencia Mendoza (deceased), Wilma Mendoza Andrews, Eduardo de Guzman Mendoza (deceased), Ruperto de Guzman Mendoza, Cristina Mendoza Sarino, Imelda Mendoza Dyer, Ciriaco de Guzman Mendoza, Ricardo de Guzman Mendoza, and Gerardo de Guzman Mendoza.

Rey’s father, Ciriaco B. Mendoza, was a distinguished financier and entrepreneur whose vision, ambition, and business acumen provided his family with a life filled with extraordinary experiences. Rey spent his childhood in the Philippines, growing up between his family’s homes in Forbes Park and Baguio and their farm in Tarlac. The farm was also the setting for one of his most legendary stories. As a young boy, he survived an accidental gunshot wound that grazed his head. He loved telling the story and would proudly say, “I got shot in the head, and I survived.”

From an early age, he was given opportunities to travel internationally, often exploring Europe while still a young man. Those journeys broadened his perspective and nurtured the independence that would define him throughout his life.

At just 12 years old, Rey moved from the Philippines to New York City in 1966 to continue his education and begin a new chapter. He first lived at Presidential Towers under the care of his cousin, who served as his family guardian, before later moving to Lincoln Towers. During his early years in New York, he attended St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s School and later briefly attended New York Military Academy. Those formative years instilled the independence and self-reliance that remained hallmarks of his character throughout his life.

After his years in New York City, Rey settled at one of his family’s homes in Paramus, New Jersey, where he joined the family business. Although he built much of his life in the United States, the Philippines always remained close to his heart. He returned often to visit family and friends, and it was during one of those visits that a mutual friend introduced him to the love of his life, Annie Lopez Veloso.

They created a life together. In 1984, they moved to the United States, settling first in Dallas before making Plano their home, where they raised their children and grandchildren. Family was always at the center of Rey and Annie’s lives. Their home became the gathering place for weekend cousin sleepovers, unforgettable Halloween celebrations, cherished Christmas Eve traditions, and New Year’s Eve sleepovers where all of the grandchildren stayed together while their parents enjoyed an evening out. “Papa” loved grilling outside while music played, loading everyone into the beloved “party van” for adventures around town and trips to Walt Disney World, and creating memories their family will treasure for a lifetime. One of the things Rey had always wanted to do was ski alongside his grandchildren. Just a few years ago, he did exactly that, skiing alongside them on the Colorado slopes and creating one of the family’s most cherished memories. Together, Rey and Annie gave their family the greatest gift of all: a home filled with love, traditions, and memories that will always be a part of them.

Rey charted his own course. Through perseverance and an exceptional work ethic, he built an extraordinary 41-year career with Lee Jarmon Ford, which later became Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford. Consistently recognized as one of the dealership’s top sales professionals, Rey earned Ford’s prestigious 300/500 Masters Award, an honor reserved for select sales consultants. He won Salesperson of the Month so consistently in both new and used vehicle sales that the dealership eventually expanded its monthly recognition program by adding an Overall Salesperson of the Month award, allowing others to be recognized while Rey continued setting the standard.

While awards recognized his performance, the loyalty of his customers defined his career. He became a pillar of the dealership, mentoring colleagues, building lifelong relationships, and earning the trust of generations of customers and coworkers. To many, Rey was far more than a salesman; he was a trusted advisor, mentor, lifelong friend, and someone many considered family.

Outside of work, Rey embraced every opportunity to enjoy life. He loved fishing, golfing, hunting, skiing, traveling, captaining his boat, dancing to disco music, dressing up for themed parties, cheering on football, trying his luck at the casino, and celebrating life’s special moments with family and friends.

A man of deep faith, Rey was a longtime parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where his religion remained an important part of his life and where he will be laid to rest.

Above all, Rey’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Rosa “Annie” Mendoza; his children, Christopher “Ian” Syyap and his wife, Cathy; Christian “Tin Tin” Syyap and his wife, Marie; and Margarita “Mia” Taraszki and her husband, Jason; his cherished grandchildren, Marina, Julian, Ava, Kira, Zoe, Lexi, Celeste, and Evan. He is also survived by his loving siblings, extended family, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

From Manila to New York City, from Paramus back to the Philippines, and finally to Plano, Rey embraced every chapter of his journey with resilience, faith, and a deep love for the people around him. He believed life’s blessings came from God, often reminded others to enjoy their blessings, and frequently ended conversations with a heartfelt, “God bless you.” He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for the lives he touched and the example he set through his faith, devotion to family, and service to others.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 7:00–9:00 p.m., Friday, July 17, 2026, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

There will be a funeral mass celebrated on Saturday, July 18, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, followed by a reception in the parish hall.

All family and friends are warmly invited to join in celebrating Rey’s life and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.