It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Neftali “Nef” Mendoza, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, and proud United States Marine. Nef was just 31 years old, and in that short time, he made a lasting and unforgettable impact on everyone he encountered.
A second-generation Marine, Nef carried forward a legacy of service inspired by his father. He wore his title with deep pride and honor, and to his fellow Marines, he was not just a brother in arms but family for life. His strength, loyalty, and leadership defined him, both in and out of uniform.
Nef lived with a genetic disease, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and passed away due to complications following open heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic . His loss is sudden and deeply felt across all who knew him, but above all, our hearts are with his family.
He leaves behind his devoted wife, Alexis Mendoza, and their two beautiful children, Selene Mendoza and Emilio Mendoza, who were the center of his world. Above all titles he carried, being a husband and father was what he was most proud of. He worked tirelessly as the sole provider for his family, always striving to give them a life filled with love, stability, and joy.
Nef was also a dedicated mentor and trainer at his favorite place Adaptive Training Foundation, pouring his time and energy into helping others realize their strength and potential. He was a passionate athlete, deeply committed to jiu jitsu, weightlifting, running, hiking, and skiing—accomplishing all of this with one leg, something he was incredibly proud of. His discipline and resilience inspired everyone around him.
He is also survived by his parents, Ester Henriquez, Jesus Mendoza, Dulce Hernandez, and Youssouf Georges Clerc; and his five sisters, Leah Henriquez, Karina Gonzalez, Alexis Medina, Ceciah Georges, and Emma Mendoza, all of whom he loved deeply.
Nef carried a calm presence that could settle any room, and when he listened, you felt truly seen. That rare steadiness, paired with his absurd and often inappropriate sense of humor, made him unforgettable. He had a way of pushing others to be better, often reminding those he loved, “Don’t be a bitch.” and “In order to grow, you must suffer.” Those words, as raw as they were, came from a place of love, growth, and unwavering belief in the people around him.
Nef was a friend to many, a mentor to those who needed guidance, and a Marine to all his brothers. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the strength he instilled in others, and the family he loved so fiercely.
A funeral service for Nef will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 3, 2026 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. Guests may begin arriving at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service. Military honors will be rendered in recognition of his service and sacrifice. The service will also be livestreamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/neftali-nef-mendoza.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Thursday evening, April 2, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.