Leonardo Cesar Dr. Mendoza

Mendoza Dr. Leonardo C Nayo Doctor Leonardo Cesar Mendoza Abarca died suddenly in his home on May 18, 2009 due to complications from a diabetic condition at the age of 70. Nayo was born on March 9, 1939 to Margarita Abarca Salas and Leonardo Mendoza Caballero in Monterrey, Mexico, the youngest of three children. He graduated from La Universidad de Nuevo Leon School of Medicine in October, 1965 and began his internship and residency with a tightly knit group of classmates at the Medical College of Ohio in 1966. Dr. Mendoza joined Dr. John Sundermeyer on Talmadge Road in 1971 and made his home in the neighborhoods of Highland Park, Westmoreland, Maumee Valley, and Harvard Terrace. Although he spent time in Pasadena, California; and Tucson, Arizona, he lived and practiced medicine for 35 years in his adopted home of Toledo right up to the day he died. Dr. Mendoza was a highly regarded doctor of internal medicine with particular expertise in cardiovascular disease. Dr. Mendoza practiced primarily at Mercy Hospital where he served as Chief of Staff. After Mercy closed its doors, Dr. Mendoza joined the Internal Medicine staff of St. Vincents Hospital. Dr. Mendoza was an active and contributing member of numerous professional organizations in the United States and Mexico and was a founding member of the International Physicians of Northwestern Ohio. Beyond medicine, Dr. Mendoza was an avid reader and student of cultural history, anthropology, and politics. Dr. Mendozas generosity and strong work ethic extended to everyone around him. Nayo was a father, tio, abuelo, mentor, and benefactor to many and he will be dearly missed. Dr. Mendoza is survived by his brother Luis, sister Etelvena Vena, and three sons from his marriage with Susan Despres Rough. All three sons, Dr. Leonardo C. Mendoza III, Mr. Carlos D. Mendoza, and Mr. Eduardo J. Mendoza are second generation Toledo natives who now reside in Tucson, AZ; San Diego, CA; and Tacoma, WA, respectively. Family will receive friends from 1 to 4 pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. with a Sharing of Memories at 3 pm. The sharing of sentiments via the online memorial guestbook is appreciated at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to the National Wildlife Federation NWF in his name to honor a lifetime of wildlife support. https://secure.nwf.org/support/memorial.cfm.