Filiberto Mendiola, Jr., 82, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Filiberto was born on June 6, 1943, in Encinal, Texas. He attended Martin High School in Laredo.
Mr. Mendiola was drafted into the United States Army, where he served as a sharpshooter with the rank of SP4 E-4 during the Vietnam War. He was employed at Uniroyal as an automotive test driver until the firm’s closure. He had a passion for dancing, listening to music and watching western movies. He enjoyed spending time with his family that he raised and loved very much.
We appreciate the memories of our father and the love he shared. He dedicated himself to nurturing and guiding his children throughout his life. His impact on their lives is a testament to his character and devotion. The children he raised have undoubtedly carried his values and love forward. We cherish the legacy he left behind.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents who raised him as their own, Alfonso and Juanita Mendoza; grandchild, Alexander Castillo; son in law, Jose M. Tovar; siblings, Juan, Pedro, Eduardo, Mary Almaguer, Gildo and mother, Isidra Terwilliger.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years of marriage, Anita Mendiola; children, Ana Laura (Terry) Rutherford, Patricia Elizabeth (Sergio) Mendiola-Luna, Nora Hilda (+Jose) Mendiola, Aida May Mendiola, Martha Guadalupe Mendiola-Servin, America Denise Castillo, Filiberto (Patricia) Mendiola ,III., Georgiana de Jesus (Danny) Martinez. In addition to raising eight of their own children they raised four grandchildren as their own, Armando (Rocio) Castillo, +Alexander Castillo, Austin Castillo and Argentina Mendiola. Mr. Mendiola is also survived by brothers, Anacleto Mendoza and Francisco Mendoza; half brothers and sisters, Jordan, Max, Mary and Virginia Terwilliger; sister in law, Lydia Mendoza; as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, other family members and friends who will greatly miss him.
To our Mami (Anita Mendiola): We extend our sincerest gratitude for your unwavering presence. It’s heartwarming to witness the strength you’ve both displayed throughout life’s challenges. Your support and dedication are truly inspiring to see. Thank you for demonstrating the power of love and commitment.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to Roger Rocha and his dedicated team from Rocha’s RPC: LVN Isidoro “Lolo” Rentería, CNA Rachel Estrada, home health aide Patricia Mendiola, and the rest of the staff.
The family also thanks Altus Hospice Care for their endless care, whose team dedicated 100% of themselves to Mr. Mendiola, including nurses Erika and Alexis, and CNAs Tere and Blanca.
Finally, the family wishes to recognize Dr. Gilberto Garza-Lozano, Dr. Arthur Santos, and Dr. Rafael Mangual from the VA Clinic for their many years of dedicated medical service.
Above all, the family offers its deepest and most profound gratitude to Nora Mendiola, who devoted herself to his well-being, providing unwavering, compassionate care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The family has designated the following individuals to serve as Pallbearers: Filiberto Mendiola, III., Ricardo Gomez, Jr., Amador Mendiola, Sergio Luna, Roberto Martinez, III.,, Armando Castillo, III., Austin Castillo, Gilberto Villarreal, Andrew Servín, Esai Mendiola, and Oswaldo García.
Honorary pallbearers will be: LauraLee and Torie Janay Rutherford, Gabriela Reyna and Argentina Mendiola.
The family will be receiving condolences on Monday, October 13, 2025 at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation services, where chapel doors will open at 8:00 am. A chapel service will be officiated at 10:00 am. Interment will follow to the Laredo City Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post 59 Honor Guard.
Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com
To plant a tree in memory of Filiberto Mendiola Jr, please visit our Tribute Store.