Hector L. Mendez, Jr., 34, of Manheim, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the loving husband of Dusty (Mattern) Mendez with whom he shared 15 years.

Born in Queens, NY he was a son to Hector L. Mendez, Sr. and Marie Roldan.

A country boy at heart, Hector moved from the city of New York to Lancaster in his junior year where he would graduate from McCaskey High School. He became known to his friends as "Hungry", never turning down a good meal. A kid at heart, Hector enjoyed watching Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Godzilla, Ghost Busters and many other classics that his children had the joy of sharing with him.

He was a loving and dedicated father, and the epitome of a "sports dad", never missing any of his kid's sporting events. During the 2018 PIAA CLASS 5A CHAMPIONSHIP, the Manheim Central Senior High School, Barons football team dedicated their game and season to him, lifting him high into their arms in a show of love and gratitude. It will be a day that his family will always treasure.

Hector found solace in chasing the sunset, lying under the stars, taking a walk through the woods and casting his reel. His family and friends will remember him for his vast knowledge of Viking history and Greek Mythology and for his desire to share his knowledge with others. In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his children: Dominic Pietsch, Haili Pietsch, Gwyneth Mendez; sister, Katherine Castrejon; brothers, Joshua Mendez & Jonathan Richardson; maternal grandparents, Jose and Julia Roldan; paternal grandmother, Eva Rivera; god mother, Martha Barra and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be a memorial service on Thursday, February 7th at 4pm at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. The family will receive guests from 2pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Manheim Central High School Athletic Department, Attention Business Office, 281 White Oak Road, Manheim, PA 17545.