Born Sunday, August 6th 1933 in Phoenix, AZ to Manuel and Maria Lopez, passed away Wednesday, Nov 29th 2017. preceded in death by Wife Margaret and Brothers Richard, Ernest and Frank Lopez. Survived by Brother Edward (Belen) and six children; George (Victoria), Anna Marie (David Villa), Gregory, Gabriel, Gilbert (Lorraine) & Gary Lopez, 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Married to Margaret Olga Ramirez on August 26th 1957. their lifetime romance began at a small Mexican Café near Immaculate Heart Church after George returned home from serving his county honorably in the Korean War. George (23) and Margaret (19) would go on to live a lifetime of dreams, love, laughter, heartache, joy and accomplishment steeped in the traditions of family, honor, respect and country. The home George and Margaret created for themselves and their 6 kids will endure in the hearts and lives of the many friends, family and loved ones they leave behind. A proud service member of the United States Army, George loved his family, country, community and the state of Arizona. After a 24-year career with Cudahy Meat Packing Co, he retired from the Creighton School District after 13 years of service and a lifetime of work that began in downtown Phoenix as a shoe shine boy. As a young man, George attended Baltz Elementary & Phoenix Union High, watched many Phoenix Senators baseball games with his father and brothers, bowled a perfect 300 game and attended many events, concerts and dances at the Riverside Ballroom. George enjoyed spending time with his kids camping in Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon, trips to Legend City, watching Fourth of July fireworks that followed Phoenix Giants baseball games at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, watching the AZ Diamondbacks win the 2001 World Series and watching the AZ Cardinals (almost) win the Super Bowl. George also enjoyed poking fun/praising the accomplishments or lack thereof of our elected officials. A Rosary Vigil/Visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec 3rd between 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, December 4th, at 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church, 1421 S. 12th St, Phoenix, immediately following he shall be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Margaret, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85014.
Cheryl Thomson
I have many memories of your dad at family events with his subtle wit and gentle criticism of each of his grand children who he loved dearly. Inparticular when Mari and Leti were in nursing school and wanted to practice on their dear grandfather…lol how he gave them grief. I’m so glad you have so many great memories and feel at peace with his passing. Please know how much we feel both your pain and love for family.