Gene Mendez of Denver, CO passed away on March 16, 2025. He was born on February 24, 1943 to Adele and Bill Mendez in Brooklyn, NY. He spent his childhood and school years in North Brunswick, NJ, enjoying boating trips to their place on the Jersey Shore. He was described by a great friend of that period as a strong-willed competitive person of high integrity. Sports captured his interest as a youth:  J.V. football, basketball, baseball, and wrestling. Gene and his older brother, Chic were observed victoriously fighting fist-to-fist with class bullies. He graduated New Brunswick High School in 1961, and frequented the class reunions, except one. His reunion was to be the weekend that the 9/11/2001 World Trade Center was attacked. No planes flew, and JetBlue did not refund his fare.  After high school, he married Rose Anne Lewis, and had four children. He worked at Korvette's department store in retail sales. Big changes followed in the 1970s.

With parents and family in tow, Gene relocated to Denver, Colorado were he and his father built and renovated houses throughout Denver. He worked for Denver Housing Authority, Brothers Redevelopment, and private customers. He earned a General Contractor's License and continued in the construction industry. His marriage ended in 1977. He began running daily and became a marathon racer.  Gene joined Rocky Mountain Roadrunners and completed its Trophy and Marathon Training Series. He raced multiple marathons in Denver, Boulder, Littleton, and Sterling.

Gene met the buyer of a house he renovated named Joyce Osness. They married in 1981. Together they ran until Joyce helped him transition to bicycling, which became his passion. As he had done with running, he educated himself about every aspect of the sport. Unsatisfied with less, he rode over a hundred miles each week.  Gene and Joyce moved to Inspiration Point, where they raised Monique, Surya, Sonja, and many pets. Gene raced his bicycles competitively in Colorado, especially proud of completing Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb. He met many like-minded friends.  They raced in Denver, Louisville, Lakewood, Fredericksburg, TX and the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, UT. Gene and Joyce were fans of pro-team EF.  Gene valued friendships, and these increased through employment.

Gene met the favorite employer of his lifetime in Jake Gilmore, Edweena and their family, and co-workers of Gilmore Construction Corp. He also met Lalo Diaz, his future business partner, and Lauri.

Gene is survived by his wife Joyce, children Monique, Naomi, Sean, Adrian, and Maria, brother, Chic Mendez and family of Erik, Sabrina, and Cosmo, as well as. He is preceded in death by daughter, Alyssa.

Memorial announcements will be forthcoming.