Local Surgeon, Educator, Author, Community Leader, and More, Catalino B. Mendoza, Jr., M.D., Passes at 97
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on April 08, 2026
Catalino B. Mendoza, Jr., M.D., 97, of Parkersburg passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at his son’s residence surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born in Bancaan, Naic, Cavite, Philippines on March 5, 1929, the eldest son of Catalino Mendoza, Sr. and Flavia Barrera Mendoza.
He was married to Suzanne T. Mendoza who preceded him in death.
Surviving are two sons, Michael Mendoza D.O. and wife Inger of St. Petersburg, Fl, and David Mendoza M.D. and wife Heather of Parkersburg, WV; two daughters, Debra Wilhelm and husband Frederick of Bridgeport, WV and Laura Mendoza, D.O. of Melbourne, Fl; six grandchildren, Ashley Trippett and husband Justin, Tyler Wilhelm and fiancé Jenna Eyler, Wesley Mendoza and wife Kasandra, Trinity Mendoza, Nicholas Ramirez and wife Shelby, and Christopher Gargova and wife Dessislava; and eight great grandchildren, Will Trippett, Graham Trippett, Rome Trippett, Mason Mendoza, Camilla Mendoza, Persephone Mendoza, Ivaan Gargova and Rubye Ramirez; two step grandchildren, Victoria Fleemin and Lilliana Panthera; three sisters, Violeta Abellera, Eva Bautista, and Lilian Quinio, all of Florida; one brother, Nardo Mendoza of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by one sister, Mila Pimentel.
For the last 12 years Dr. Mendoza resided in Parkersburg, where he was a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus and a member of St. Margaret Mary Church. He was a former member of the Clarksburg Knights of Columbus and former member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.
Dr. Mendoza moved to Clarksburg with his family in 1963, where he was staff surgeon at the VA Hospital until 1973, after which he went into private practice for general surgery until his retirement in 2003. He continued to be a consultant surgeon for the VA Hospital and was a clinical professor of surgery at WVU where eventually he became Professor Emeritus. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Diplomat of the American Board or Surgery. During this same time, he was an author of multiple publications as well as delivering many lectures and presentations.
Dr. Mendoza held many accolades, some of which included the Governor’s Award for Honorary West Virginian in 1973. He was the president of the Harrison County Medical Society and the president and founder of the WV Gastrointestinal Society from 1982 – 1983. He was a visiting surgeon for People-to-People Ambassador in China. He was named an honorary Professor of Surgery at Marshall University School of Medicine in 1988. He volunteered on Project HOPE as a participating surgeon operating on patients in Brazil. He served in numerous positions in medical staff leadership at United Hospital Center including Chief of Medical Staff. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Mendoza served in numerous leadership positions and many surgical societies, including president of the Society of Philippine Surgeons in America.
After retirement, Dr. Mendoza became a Master Gardener and enjoyed painting. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dr. Mendoza’s family would like to thank their father’s caregivers, Sherrie Dotson, Vicki Ross and Brittany Hutson for their excellent care and compassion.
Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm to conclude the visitation.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 8092 Third Street, Stonewood, WV with Father Kumar Reddimasu as Celebrant.
Entombment will be in the Holy Cross Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org/donate.
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