U.S. General Services Administration
GSA pays tribute to Jose Mendez
José Miguel “Mickey” Mendez was laid to rest Dec. 11 at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. He lived a full life in addition to working for GSA starting in July 2003, shortly after retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant colonel in 2000. He is survived by his wife Michelle Matta Mendez, sons José Manuel Mendez and Region 6 PBS Building Management Specialist Victor Isaiah Mendez, and many others. Over 75 photos were contributed to his online LifeTribute wall.
“As a (Customer and Stakeholder Engagement) employee, José had been responsible for helping customers in the St. Louis area in utilizing GSA solutions,” said CASE Division Director Denise Elsbernd. “His Air Force career gave him great insight to help customers navigate all of what GSA had to offer in completing their mission. José then transitioned to business development, where he was instrumental in developing the vendor newsletter for Heartland Acquisition Center vendors. He worked with the vendors and Region 4 Customer Service Directors on a daily basis to execute the GSA mission. José always had great ideas to share, and was willing to work with the team to streamline processes. José will be missed,” she said.
Several current and former GSA employees shared condolences and memories of Mendez online and with Victor Mendez:
- “I have known José since he came to work for GSA in St. Louis. He was great to work with, and I considered him a very good friend. I will miss his sense of humor and his laugh.” — Rodney Rider
- “I am honored to have known this GREAT man! As a co-worker at GSA, he will be remembered as the Mayor of GSA. ALWAYS speaking, ALWAYS smiling, TOTALLY dedicated to meeting the customer needs, with a plethora of information. He was also like family to me. I will always remember when he drove 3 hours one way to be with me and my family for my mother's funeral. He was just a genuine loving and caring person who will be deeply missed by all, especially me. My continued prayers are with the family. Remembering you always José. Rest in Heaven, my friend.” — Tausha Freeman
- “I had the pleasure of working with (José) early on in my career with GSA when I was an intern and most recently I was his supervisor. I can tell you he was loved by all that he encountered. I can remember going on a customer visit with him once in St. Louis and it amazed me of the great relationship he had built with the customer team. He was so positive and had such a great work ethic.” — Dana Fairley
- “He joined GSA back when I was starting out and has been a good friend ever since. Every time I was in St. Louis, he made it a priority to meet me for a meal and catch up… I will miss him greatly and cherish the time we had together.” — Lori Ginnings
- “So sorry to hear of Mickey’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family to receive God's comfort and peace!” — Bob Rusbarsky
- “While the sudden loss of my father has left myself and my family shaken, we take solace in knowing that he passed with nothing but love, comfort, and happiness in his heart. The kind words from my father’s friends and GSA colleagues have warmed my heart and affirmed my belief that he is one of the greatest people I have ever and will ever know. I promise to carry on his ideals and principles, as well as making him proud as I proceed in my life and career. Thank you for everything, Papa. I love you. And may the Force be with you, always.” — Victor Mendez
Write a tribute message, share a memory, story or more at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Legacy Memorial online profile for Mendez.
