Salomon G Mendez

Salomon G. Mendez, 92, died peacefully on August 15, 2023. He was born on March 11, 1931, to Pedro and Elvira (Gomez) Mendez, in Schererville, Indiana.

Soon after his birth, Salomon moved with his parents to Salvatierra, Guanajuato, Mexico. There he went to school, became a barber, enjoyed spear fishing and put together a trio group. Salomon Mendez was very gifted and could play any instrument by ear.

Salomon eventually made his way back to his birth town and on a trip  back home he met the love of his life, Celia (Lopez). They celebrated 61 years of marriage last September. They enjoyed dancing and being with each other, living a life full of true love, music and dance. They had 4 children; Juan, Juana, Arturo and Elizabeth.

Salomon's life was a sweet song, he continued his musical career in the states. He was the choir director for both Our Lady of Guadalupe and Holy Rosary and helped out St. Mary's and any other church in need. He formed his own trio (Salomon y su Trio Melodico) that had the pleasure of playing in weddings, quincianeras, anniversaries, birthdays, serenades and special events.

Salomon was very involved in his church serving in many capacities; accounting, choir director, lector, passion play/procession, kitchen help and anything else that was asked of him.

Salomon worked and retired from Inland Steel, where he was a metal stripper. He enjoyed his job there and came up with several ideas on how to make the department run smoother. He was appropriately recognized for his contribution to the company.

Salomon continued his profession as a barber as a side job. He was also involved with different children's groups where he taught drums and guitar. His drum group would participate in the Mexican Independence Parade alongside him for several years. He was very proud of his group.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sons, Juan and Arturo Mendez; sister, Belen Mendez; brothers, Alfredo, Leopoldo and Chava Mendez; aunt, Juana "LaLa" (Leobardo) Mendez and cousin, Fred Mendez.

Salomon is survived by his loving family; wife, Celia (Chela), daughters, Juana Mendez and Elizabeth (Roberto) Gonzalez; grandchildren, Celia, Julian, Jeremy and Janero; sister, Maria Mendez; daughter-in-law, Paula Mendez 3 special cousins; Rose (George) Reyes, and their children, Richard (Juanita) Mendez, and Linda Mendez and compassionate caregiver, Terica Yarbrough; many nephews and nieces; and his Furry BEST FRIEND, Toby.

Salomon was a man of deep faith and knew where he was going after this life. He is surely singing, playing his guitar and dancing on those streets of gold. He will be deeply missed, but we find comfort in the beautiful memories of him and how he taught us to live with music in our hearts always.

Visitation Monday August 21, 2023, 4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408 with Funeral Mass Tuesday, August 22, 2023, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church 3510 Deodar Street East Chicago, Indiana 46312. Interment Ridgelawn Cemetery.

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