John Manuel Vidal Mendes OBITUARY
John Manuel Vidal Mendes OBITUARY
John Manuel Vidal Mendes, 85, of Granby, CT, formerly of Bloomfield, was an incredibly kind husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on December 31, 2024.
John was cherished by his family, friends and students as a deeply thoughtful, generous, honest and loving person. He was respected for his integrity, welcoming and gentle nature and his strong devotion to family. Born the son of Manuel and Laurinda Mendes in Cascais, Portugal, John came to the US at the age of four. He was a graduate of Hartford Public High, Class of ’57, University of Connecticut, receiving his degree in Mathematics and Education and University of Hartford receiving his Masters Plus in Education.
John was a proud Veteran, serving as Captain in the United States Army in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He spent 35 years of his career as a math teacher at Talcott Junior High and Hall High School, West Hartford, where he also served as head coach to the varsity baseball team and assisted across many sports programs.
Affectionately known as “Papa” by his grandchildren and family, his greatest joy was spending time with his loved ones, generously surprising them to multiple Disney World trips over the years.
John is survived by his loving family, wife Rosemarie Mendes of Granby; son John Mark and daughter-in-law Mary Beth Mendes; son-in-law Jay Snyder; grandchildren Laura and Jenna Snyder (fiancé Alex Richardson), Drew Mendes (fiancée Hannah McCall) and Jillian Boxall (husband Matthew Boxall); and great-granddaughter Eloise Boxall. John is predeceased by his adored and cherished daughter Tammy Mendes Snyder; his first grandson John Paul Mendes; his brothers Orlando and Thomas Mendes; his stepmother Maria Batista Mendes; and his sister-in-law Mary Mendes. He was loved by his whole family, including nephews Mark and Michael Mendes, niece Melissa (Mendes) Hickey and many cousins, grand-nephews, grand-nieces and friends.
Calling hours will be Friday, January 10, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave, West Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Fatima Sq, 50 Kane St, Hartford. Burial will be private.
Donations can be made in John’s honor to St. Jude’s (https://www.stjude.org/), Paralyzed Veterans of America (pva.org) or Smile Train (https://www.smiletrain.org/). Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com
