By Michael Reel
St. Cyprian’s Catholic Church, nestled in the bedroom community of Lakewood, California provided the perfect setting for family, friends, loved ones, former student-athletes, colleagues and the greater southern California community to bid farewell to Ladislao “Lalo” Mendoza, the beloved educator and coach.
On the morning of July 7, hundreds stood in unison with the Mendoza family as they celebrated the life and legacy of their beloved brother, uncle and family patriarch, Lalo.
“Our church is packed today,” said Fr. Alidore Milobi. “I can tell Lalo was a people person. Some of you have driven miles and miles this morning in order to be with us today.”
“Some of the finest men are with us today that Lalo coached,” expressed Elio Mendoza. “This morning the family would like to invite any former football players, athletes, ball managers and coaches who would like to form an honor guard down the middle aisle as we begin mass for Lalo.”
The capacity crowd moved in unison, forming the honor guard with hands and arms raised in observance of a life well lived.
As the mass for Lalo progressed, members of the Mendoza family participated in various parts of the service. The first and second readings were completed by Gabi and Gigi Mendoza. Delores Tostado, Andrea Concepcion and Nikki Harris lifted the prayer of the faithful.
Following the homily by Fr. Milobi, Lalo’s youngest brother, Kiki Mendoza shared a eulogy that can only be described as poignant, heartfelt, touching and at times funny.
“The last few days of Lalo’s life hundreds of players who played for him and kids that didn’t play for him came to see him in the hospital,” said Kiki. “The hospital was overwhelmed with love and support for our brother.
“And these are the things that were brought to our attention, but we knew this all of Lalo’s life. He was always giving, loving and caring.”
Kiki went on to describe Lalo as a man of faith. “It was no mystery that he ended up at a school called Verbum Dei, which meant ‘The word of God.’
“Lalo was not always nice, he called all of us some names that I can’t repeat now . . . He’d light into you for five minutes but love you for the rest of your life.
“Except for my brother and sisters and sisters-in-law, most of us here have only known Lalo as an adult. I have to tell you, as a child, Lalo was in a beautiful baby contest. It was after a game, we were sitting around the field house, and someone said, ‘Hey Lalo, tell everyone about your beautiful baby contest.’ Then someone said, ‘I bet you came in last place.’
“Lalo said, ‘I came in second-to-last to yo-mama.’
“He built his life on gospel values and if you think Lalo was just about football you missed the point. Lalo was about people—he loved every individual in this room.”
Immediately following the service several Mendoza family members and former student-athletes that were coached by Lalo shared their reflections about their beloved coach and friend with Reel Urban News.
“Lalo was color blind,” said Dr. Terri Mendoza. “I think my parents were an example of that. There was always room at the table for whoever wanted to come. My parents were always about inclusivity and making sure everyone felt a part of the family. I think that’s where Lalo got that.”
“Lalo believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself sometimes,” added former Verbum Dei football star, Johnnie Doyle. “I had to be here today,”
Although Lalo was lauded for his football coaching ability, coaches from various sports found inspiration by being around Lalo and observing him. “Lalo is the foundation of Verbum Dei,” said coach Ronnie Gipson. “We would always see him walking the halls in his shorts even in the rain and cold. He was a great example for all of us.”
“I started coming up to the Verb when I was seven or eight years old,” recalled Deanthony Langston. “As a little kid in the projects (Nickerson Gardens Public Housing Apartment Complex) I remember running with the football team and running up to Verb, learning how to do a ‘Dallas Mile.’ And when I became Athletic Director, the first call I received was from Lalo. He was our foundation.”
After making the varsity football team as a high school sophomore, there was so much Harold Edison would have to quickly learn. “One of the things Lalo required was dedication. He required me to be dedicated. He required me to be tough and he required me to be a good student.”
Before officially retiring, Lalo coached at both Salesian High School and Compton Junior College. Former student-athletes shared their brief reflections.
“It was just his willingness to let you know right from wrong,” remembered a former Salesian High School athlete. “Lalo would tell you the way it was.”
“I had the privilege and honor to play for Coach Lalo,” said Enrique Arneo. “I was the first Mexican immigrant quarterback at Compton College in 1992. Not only was he a coach, but Lalo was also a mentor.”
Retired NBA star and Verbum Dei High School alumnus Andre Miller recalled Lalo’s influence on his life. “Even though I was a basketball player they forced me onto the football field my senior year. Coach Lalo preached the fundamentals of toughness and execution and being a successful young man.”
