Honoring
Juan M. Mendez
September 19, 1946 - May 15, 2020
Juan & Gladys Mendez Music Hall
Please click below to view virtual event.
On behalf of the Mendez Family, the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance sadly announces the passing of Board Chair, Juan M. Mendez. He passed away peacefully Friday, May 15, 2020 from heart failure complications.
Juan was surrounded by his loving wife of 50 years, Gladys and his daughters, Laura and Tanya. Juan is also survived by his grandchildren Jordan, Angelina, Ryan, Mila, and son-in-laws Kamran and Edgar. The family has requested that any messages or expressions of sympathy be posted on PRAA’s Facebook page.
Due to the pandemic, the family has decided to postpone a memorial and celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance which was an important part of Juan’s life.
Luis Lopez
Director, Milwaukee Cuatro Orchestra
(Carlos Hernandez-FB Inbox)
Dear Carlos, I was not close to Don Juan but I have been deeply moved by him. A few years ago, backstage at Harris Theater, he told me that he would love to listen to this song at the Cuatro Festival. Maybe he got to hear it, but here I offer a rendition to him. As the only person close to him that I know, please accept it. I was moved to do this because his wish just stuck to me. I also loved his last speech at the festival. What a great man! I actually got to shake hands with him and talk to him during intermission. Anyway, please accept this on his behalf, because it's my gift to him. Thank you, brother
This is for him: Don Juan, This is the song that you wanted to hear. I hope that you like it. Thank you for everything you did for everyone you touched! Sincerely, Luis Lopez
Juan M. Mendez
For over a decade the late Juan M. Mendez was the Chairman of the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. His leadership contributed to the significant progress of the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance’s youth music & arts education programs as well as the development of the organization’s permanent music & cultural center. Juan was business and civic leader that believed giving back to his community. Throughout his lifetime he positively impacted hundreds of individuals in the Puerto Rican/Latino community. He will be missed by many but his legacy continues at the PRAA.
