Robert F. Lopez Jr.

ROBERT F. LOPEZ A Funeral mass will be celebrated at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home at 10:00 AM, on Saturday, October 12, 2019, for Robert F. Lopez, 73, who saw the Light and passed thru the gates Home to heaven on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at his residence. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Robert was born on May 12, 1946, in Roswell, NM, to Ruperto and Sara Lopez. He graduated from Roswell High School, being a member of the basketball team that won the New Mexico State Championship in 1964. On August 14, 1965, Robert and Rosemary Velasquez were married in Roswell and made California their home for eight years. He served in the Army stationed in Ft. Bliss, Tx, Ft. Polk, La., and in Germany. They then made their home in Albuquerque for eight years where he worked for American National Insurance Co. before finally settling in Roswell, where Robert worked and retired from the US Postal Service. He was known there as "The Worker" and "Bobby Lo." An amazing, loving, and caring man, Robert was always ready to give a helping hand to those in need. His outgoing personality and humor made him numerous friends, and Robert would go out of his way to talk to them. He was always involved with his children's activities being their coach in softball, baseball, basketball, and football. With the Boy's Club, Robert did several years serving and doing fundraisers to help their sports activities, even making it one year to tournaments in Las Vegas, NV, and Colorado. In 1993, he and a few friends got together to bring back to life the cash drawing fundraising program for the Roswell High School Football Program after a few years of being dormant. To this day, the cash drawing fundraising continues to support the program. His love of sports and children led him to be a referee for the Boys Club and youth programs, later on the RISD football, basketball and softball programs and umpire for the AAASA. In 2016, Robert was awarded New Mexico West Texas umpire of the year. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Robert’s grandchildren were his love and joy, spending all the time he could with them. He was always there for them, being their counselor, advisor, and always with a word of encouragement. The same goes true to all his children. Their friends, as they were growing up, all respected and still call him Mr. Lopez or Coach. Robert will be greatly missed and leaves behind many special memories. In addition to Robert’s wife, Rosemary V. Lopez, he is also survived by his daughter, Roberta Allen and husband Johnny of Roswell; son, Michael Lopez and wife Erika of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren: Chabri, and Jez Allen, Drew, Addison, and Aiden Lopez; brothers: Johnny Lopez and wife Cecilia of San Jose, CA, Ronnie Lopez and wife Teri of Fresno, CA, Lonnie and wife Rita of Ontario CA; sister, Lupe Saldana and husband Chris of Elk Grove, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins that he loved. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Richard (Pico); and parents, Ruperto and Sara Lopez. Pallbearers are Roberto Nevarez, Larry (Hooter) Grant, Frank Lilly, Stanley Smith, Arthur Cobos, and Dwayne Brown. Honorary Pallbearers are Jay Edgett, Lucus Hernandez, Ismael Pantoja, Andrew Brady, John L. Gonzales, and Ruben Prieto. "God saw he was getting tired, and a cure was not to be, So He put his arms around him and whispered, "come with me." With tearful eyes, we watched him suffer and saw him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best!" Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Robert’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. Robert’s tribute was written by his family.

Robert F. Lopez Jr.

May 12, 1946 - October 1, 2019