Manuel Jesus Lopez

In Loving Memory of Manuel Jesus Lopez 

December 25, 1946 - July 16, 2026.

Manuel Jesus Lopez, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, surrounded by his three children. He was 79 years old. 

Manuel was born on December 25th, 1946, in Phoenix, Arizona where he was raised and proudly called home throughout his life. He graduated from Phoenix Union High School and later married the love of his life, Juanita Lopez, on April 9, 1965. Together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage until Juanita's passing in 2020. 

Manuel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanita Lopez, his father, Jose Lopez, his mother, Christina Lopez, and his brothers, Mike Lopez and Joe Lopez. 

He is lovingly survived by his daughters, Lisa Menona and Natalie Lopez Quaranta, his son, Mark Lopez MD (Annmarie); his brother, Frank Lopez and his sister, Terry Pena. 

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Danielle Woods (William), Lauren McDade (Zachary), Braden Lopez MD (Alexa Miah), Taylor Lopez and Alexa Lopez. Manuel was also blessed with great-grandchildren Paul McDade, Henry Woods, Golden Lopez and Calvin Woods, all of whom brought him immense joy. 

Manuel graduated from the Phoenix Police Academy in 1971. He served as a Phoenix police officer proudly as an SAU/SWAT team negotiator, Detective in Auto Theft and Robbery until his retirement in 2005. You could always find him working off duty at Friday night home football games for St. Mary's High School. 

Manuel was a devoted family man whose greatest pride was watching his family grow and succeed. Nothing made him happier than celebrating the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. 

A passionate Arizona Sports fan, Manuel faithfully supported his favorite teams throughout his life. The Suns, Cardinals, Diamondbacks and of course Arizona State Football. He was a loyal Sun Devil fan, holding football seasons tickets beginning in 1977, creating countless memories cheering on the Sun Devils with family and friends. 

He loved a good game of golf and was a former member of the Par Gents Golf Club. He enjoyed going to the movies, listening to music, a great Steak and Salmon dinner, and his occasional Crown on the rocks. His German Shepherds Cisco and Tawnie were his pride and joy. 

Manuel will be remembered for his love of family, his loyalty, his quiet strength, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the many lives he touched. 

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. 

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 28 at 11:00am at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 11001 N 40th Street, Phoenix, procession following to St. Frances Catholic Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will commence following all services. 

In Lieu of Flowers please donate to Halo Animal Rescue (give.halorescue.org)