SALVADOR “SAL” DOMINGUEZ MENDEZ
1926 - 2020
Salvador “Sal” Dominguez Mendez was born on April 21, 1926 and passed away on April 2, 2020 at the age of 93. He was the fourth of ten children born to parents, Anastacio and Maria Dominguez Mendez.
His parents, along with his grandparents, Nabor and Aurelia Juarez Dominguez, migrated from the Mexican State of Chihuahua in the 1920s, ultimately settling in Bakersfield, California, where his father built their first home on East 10th Street.
At eighteen years old, duty called and like many young men of the “greatest generation”, Sal joined the United States Army during World War II. He trained as a cavalryman and served in the China-Burma-India Theater. His unit was responsible for transporting equipment and supplies through the famous Burma Road to China. As Sal's unit was on the coast of China preparing for the invasion of Japan, the war ended.
Following his Honorable Discharge, he returned to Bakersfield. In 1946 Sal met and fell in love with Evangeline “Lillian” Lucille Candelaria. Although, Lillian lived only a few blocks away from Sal growing up, they had never met. Two years later they were married at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church on August 7, 1948. They built a wonderful life together, enjoying countless trips to the coast, spending time with their grandchildren, family and friends. They were married forty-two years until Lillian's passing on January 28, 1990. Their marriage was blessed by the birth of three children, sons, Donald (Alice) Mendez, Salvador (Jackie) Mendez, Jr. and daughter, Mary Ann (Rey) Soto; grandchildren, Donald R. Mendez, Jr. (Bridget), Marisa Marquez, Nicole Lillian Soto (Juan) Garcia, Steven Joseph Mendez, Patrick Jerry Mendez and Kimberly Ann Mendez; great-grandchildren, Donald R. Mendez III, Dillion Mendez, Dane Mendez, Dennis Anthony Marquez II, Khloe Faith Marquez, Antonio Salvador Garcia, Clayton Mendez and Damon Mendez-Cruz.
Following his beloved Lillian's passing, Sal found love again and profound companionship in his second wife, Herminia “Minnie” Molina. They spent fourteen years together, traveling and watching their families grow.
Sal worked hard in life and enjoyed learning the trade of hanging curtains and blinds and the art of installing carpet, and building just about anything. But his true calling was being a firefighter. After passing the civil service test. Sal was hired by the Bakersfield City Fire Department in 1955. He was a dedicated and heroic firefighter for 30 years, ultimately attaining the rank of Captain. He retired in 1984 while commanding Fire Station #4 on Bernard Street, down the road from his home.
Sal was, also, preceded in death by his son, Salvador Mendez Jr.; grandson, Patrick Mendez; grandson-in-law, Dennis Marquez and his second wife, Herminia “Minnie” Mendez.
He is survived by his youngest brother, Richard (Carolina) Mendez of El Dorado, Texas and his sister-in-law, Martha Mendez of Bakersfield, California.
Sal was a wonderfully kind man and always had great compassion for people. He raised his children with Catholic values and a positive attitude. His door was always open and he welcomed those who sought out his advise and guidance, and there were many. He was always ready to use his knowledge and experience as a tradesman and craftsman to help family and friends. He was well versed in the trades of carpentry, plumbing, electricity, painting and general construction. He loved using his hands on special building or remodeling projects.
Sal was quietly laid to rest with his beloved wife, Lillian, during the onset of the pandemic on April 21, 2020 at Greenlawn Memorial Park Northeast. Monsignor Stephen A. Frost of Christ the King Catholic Church officiated the service for the family. A memorial in celebration of his life will be held at a future date.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to the staff at the Brookdale Riverwalk Skilled Nursing Facility, Mercy Southwest Hospital and Hoffmann Hospice for their warm and genuine care of our beloved Father. A special Thank You to Greenlawn Memorial Park Northeast for their caring assistance during this difficult time.
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