Richard "Rick" Vincent Mendez

INDIANAPOLIS – Richard “Rick” Vincent Mendez, age 70, of Indianapolis, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at his residence. He was born on October 2, 1955, in Indianapolis, to Alfred and Lorena (Nelson) Mendez. Rick graduated from Bishop Chatard High School in 1973 and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1973 to 1979. He began his career in accounting while in the Army and later completed his education at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), earning a Bachelor of Science in business. Rick took pride in both his military service and the professional foundation it provided. Rick married Theresa (Crawford) on December 30, 1978, in Indianapolis. Together they shared 47 years of marriage, a milestone he was deeply proud of. Their partnership was the steady center of his life, supporting both his family and his many professional pursuits. Rick built a long and respected career as a Certified Public Accountant. His work included income tax preparation, auditing, and business consulting, with early experience focused on auditing and tax compliance for property management companies. Over time, his practice expanded to serve a wide range of industries throughout central Indiana, including construction, automotive repair, and golf course management. He finished his accounting career with Noble Consulting Services, Inc., where he worked as part of the insurance regulatory consulting group until retiring in 2018. In addition to partnerships and consulting work, Rick owned and operated a solo practice under Richard V. Mendez, CPA. Beyond accounting, Rick had a strong passion and talent for building and renovation. He renovated and repurposed several properties and historic structures, including the former Oaklandon Christian Church, which he transformed into commercial space in 1999. He also renovated a historic church building in Greenfield, Indiana, originally constructed around 1911, as well as multiple homes. In his personal time, Rick enjoyed riding his e-bike and building Lego creations, hobbies that reflected his curiosity and his enjoyment of hands-on work and play. Rick is survived by his wife, Theresa (Crawford) Mendez; his children, JD (Julie) Mendez and Mallory (Derrick) Carnes; his grandchildren, Jack Mendez and June Mendez; his brother, Jimmy (Kim) Mendez; his sister-in-law, Trish Mendez (widow of Tony Mendez); and his aunts, Maria “Aunt Mary” (Mendez) Devine and Dolores (Mendez) Heaton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Lorena Mendez; his brother, Tony Mendez; and his beloved dog, Harry. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. U.S. Highway 40, Greenfield, Indiana. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. Inurnment and military honors will take place at Crown Hill National Cemetery Annex in Indianapolis on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.

Richard "Rick" Vincent Mendez

October 2, 1955 - January 20, 2026