Edward M. Mendonca

Edward M. Mendonca Obituary. 

Edward was born in April 1936 to Manual and Marie Mendonca, apple farmers on Green Valley Road in Watsonville. Edward's father immigrated from Graciosa, an Azorian island where he and his family once visited. We drank the local wine, ate cake and sang songs in the home of one his relatives - a visit with lifelong impact. 

Edward's mother's side was also from the Azore islands. His Grandmother (maternal side) Josie Mendonsa's parents were from Faial and Terceira. Josie was born in Santa Cruz, CA in July of 1881.

Edward is survived by his loving and vivacious sister, Theresa Thompson, however, their loving and caring brother William has previously passed. 

Edward graduated from Watsonville High and eventually rose to be seated as First Trumpet, First Chair. He was an amazing trumpet player. He was a member of Future Farmers of America as well as the Cam Followers car club. 

In 1956, he married Doreen Shilleto who had 3 children; Doredda Grossman, Antoinette (Toni) Runyon, and Michael. Doreen sadly and unexpectedly passed away in 1982. Each of Edward and Doreen's children loved and were loved by Edward their entire lives. 

Edward served in the United States Airforce during the Korean War as an airplane mechanic. 

In 1986, Edward and Karen Denny (from the Marshall family) were married in Aromas, CA where she and Edward resided and led a blessed life for the last 40 years. 

Karen has 3 children; Kathy McIntyre, Sharon Waller and Jeff, each of whom, including their spouses fully and lovingly accepted Edward as family and whom he also loved dearly. 

Edward, Doreen, Karen and all 6 of their combined children graduated from Watsonville High School. 

For his 75th birthday, Edward's family treated him to a "ride" in a P-51 Mustang piloted also by a Korean War Veteran. After disappearing from our sight, they "buzzed" us not very many feet above ground. You couldn't wipe the smiles off either of their faces. 

Edward and Karen have 14 Grand Children and 24 Great Grandchildren. Edward loved and participated in each of their lives and was loved and respected by all. 

Edward will be remembered for his integrity and a heart that had no limitations nor boundaries. He was generous with his time and showed his love with patience, kindness, acceptance and a gift of being able to build, teach or repair nearly anything. He loved to ride motorcycles, fish and travel. 

Edward peacefully and gracefully passed away on September 21, 2026, with his family by his side as he went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be missed eternally. 

The family has asked that for those who choose, a donation could be made in Edward's name to the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism:

WWW.FlutieFoundation.org

A service will be held on Friday, October 2nd at 9:30 AM at the Chapel of Ave Maria Mortuary in Watsonville followed by a graveside service with military honors at Pajaro Valley Cemetery.