Felipe Micor Mendoza, Jr,

Felipe “Jun” Micor Mendoza, Jr. was born January 16, 1945 the fourth of what would be eight siblings in Talavera, Nueva Ecija, in the Philippines. His parents were Felipe Sr and Gregoria Micor, his father was a government employee; his mother a homemaker. They encouraged their kids to pursue education as a path to success and stability. As a child he was known as “Boy Taba.” As he told it, he was more interested in playing cards and sports than school. He often told his kids that they didn’t have store-bought toys, so they had to make them out of whatever was available. Jun met Virginia “Gie” dela Paz while they were both studying accounting at Far Eastern University in Manila. Although it took some convincing of his future mother-in-law, they married in 1970 and had their first daughter, Virna or “Mayeth,” a year later. Jennifer followed in 1976, while they were living in New Jersey. The couple emigrated to America in 1972 to escape the shadow of martial law that had recently been initiated under the Ferdinand Marcos regime. After a few years in New York, then New Jersey, they relocated to Marietta, Georgia, in 1978. There they would stay and become a part of building a vibrant Filipino American community. He and Gie were among the earliest and most active members of the FilAm Association of Greater Atlanta. After their retirements, Gie and Jun traveled the world. They enjoyed the freedom to visit friends and family more often, but also explored new places, including the Holy Land, Dubai, and Europe. Jun became an American citizen in 1980, something which he took great pride in. He petitioned for his siblings to have the chance to emigrate as soon as he was able, and he was overjoyed when they were finally able to join him in the United States more than 20 years later. He was proud of his Filipino culture and also a patriotic American. Jun loved to wear anything with the red, white and blue. He always paid attention to current events and never failed to vote once he became eligible. He was an avid fan of sports of all kinds. He especially rooted for the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs. He was talking about the political and sports news of the day to his very last. His most joyous role was that of “Lolo.” He savored every phone call, visit, text, or photo from his three granddaughters. Everyone that knew him, knew about his “apo” and how proud he was of each of them. He wanted to give them the world. Jun will be remembered for his laugh and big smile, his quiet generosity, his love for finding a bargain, and his sense of style. He will be dearly missed by his large extended family, and so many friends whose lives he touched.

Felipe Micor Mendoza, Jr,

January 16, 1945 - July 14, 2024