Gabriel “Dino” Mendoza was born August 16th, 1999 and was killed by gun violence on October 16th, 2022. He was 23 years old.

Gabriel, known as “Gabe” to family, was a fierce protector and light in the lives of many. He was always a man of his word and did everything at 110%. Gabe had many successes in his short 23 years, including going to Culinary School and working as a chef for the prestigious Saint Paul Hotel, playing college football, making music and launching a security business. Gabriel “Dino” Mendoza was strong and serious, yet gentle and loyal. Loved ones have heard time and time again how even the shortest encounter with him made an impact. He was a force who cared about making a difference in his community, “you got one shot to make a difference, leave yo stamp on the earth”. And that he did.

Gabriel is survived by parents Katrina and Ed, sisters Ariel, Bella, Natalya, Selena, Leah, Alyssa and Bless, brothers Victorio, Chance, Azrael, and Emilio, niece Lazuli, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and friends. Gabriel is preceded in death by grandparents Gilbert and Virginia Mendoza and nephew Onyx Mendoza.