Antero G. Mendonca

Antero G. Mendonca, 88, of Riverdale passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, surrounded by family at home. Antero was born May 3, 1937, in Ladeira Grande on the Island of Terceira, Acores. He immigrated with his family to Kingsburg, CA in 1950. He met his sweetheart, Inez Gonsalves in 1960 and married on May 6, 1961.  Antero was a hard-working second-generation dairy farmer of 45 years and raised five cherished children. For 64 years Antero and Inez shared everything life can offer together. They were a great team supporting each other in every way. Antero loved spending time with family, going to Pismo Beach, and attending Portuguese Festas and bullfights. Retirement gave him many happy hours praying the Rosary, watching his 49ers, riding his scooter, fishing, making olives, and of course working on Inez’s Honey-Do List. He liked wearing Hawaiian shirts that gave off a tropical vacation vibe, and would always greet you with a cheerful “Aloha!”. His famous quote was “Don’t worry Be Happy”. He touched the lives of many with his profound smile, sense of humor, kindness, and generosity. With his love of Jesus, may his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love, laughter, and compassion in all that we do.

Antero is survived and missed by his loving wife Inez Mendonca, his son Terry Mendonca, (Mary), son Edward Mendonca, son Daniel Mendonca, his daughter Natalie Verissimo, (Desi), daughter Kathryn Cardoza, (Frank) and eight forever cherished grandchildren, Audrianna Mendonca, Makayla Mendonca, Sarah Mendonca, Mason Verissimo, Emily Verissimo, Adam Verissimo, Frankie Cardoza, (Mikayla), Allison Cardoza, six great grandchildren, Blake Youngsma, Mckenna Lujan, Cole Lujan, Klaus Bustos, Liam Mendonca, Lanyla Rosales. His four brothers Ben Mendonca (Eva), Zeke Mendonca (Judy), George Mendonca (Connie), Alvarino Mendonca and sister Dena Maciel (Mario).

Antero was preceded in death by his loving parents Jose & Maria Mendonca, brothers Joe Mendonca (Elvira), Tony Mendonca (Margie), John Mendonca (Linda) and sister Mary Caetano (Joe).

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 4pm to 7pm at Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Home at 100 W. Bush St., Hanford. The Recitation of the Rosary will be Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6pm at Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Home. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 11am at Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles Church at 870 N. Lemoore Ave. Lemoore. His final resting place will be at Sunflower Fields Cemetery at 9660 18th Ave. Lemoore, CA. Friends and family are invited to a reception immediately following the service at Lemoore Trinity Hall, 470 Champion St. Lemoore. Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Service.

The family invites you to make donations in Antero’s memory to any Portuguese Festa of your choice.  He enjoyed seeing the Portuguese community come together to eat Sopas in the honor of the Festa do Espirito Santo, Our Lady of Fatima, and St. Anthony Celebrations.

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