In Loving Memory of
Richard D. Lopez (Lopey)
Richard David Lopez went home to the Lord on May 11, 2024, at age 70. He is preceded in death by his parents Roy Sr. and Socorro Lopez, niece Angel Grano, nephew Joseph Barela, and sister-in-law Sandra Lopez.
He is survived by his companion of 28 years Maria Alvarado, Daughter Alexis Lopez (one and only), stepson Neil (Nikkita) Alvarado, step-daughter Raquel Garcia, and foster son Luke Rivers.
Grandchildren Carlos (Keana) Garcia, Jesus (Zoee) Hernandez, Deanna (Samuel) Alvarado-Veltri, Jazmin (Zues) Muniz, Thalia Muniz, Darius Garcia, Isaac Alvarado, and Alexandria Alvarado.
Great-grandchildren Charleigh Garcia, Annabelle, Athena, and Adyn.
Brothers Roy Lopez Jr. (Houston, TX), Henry Lopez (Denver, CO), and Ralph Lopez (Oxnard, CA)
Sisters Sarah (Leroy) Grano (Rocky Ford, CO), MaryAnn (Benny) Martinez (La Junta, CO), Lillian Lopez (Rocky Ford, CO), Donna (Danny) Whatley (Rocky Ford, CO), Valerie Lopez (Colorado Springs, CO), Melyssa (Joe) Zamora (La Junta, CO).
Sister-in-laws Teresa Morales, Char (Gene) Kennedy (Trinidad, CO), Cecilia (John) Garcia (Trinidad, CO), Anita Larsen (Trinidad, CO), Patricia Mackey (Brush, CO).
Richard was born and raised in Rocky Ford, CO. He graduated from Rocky Ford High School, then continued on at Northeastern Junior College. From there he went to Adams State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in education. He continued his career in Trinidad teaching history, driver’s education, and physical education. He coached wrestling and football, motivating his athletes to be their best selves. Lopey put wrestling on the map in Trinidad. He was also a wrestling alternate at the Olympics.
Lopey enjoyed coaching and teaching. He loved to be outdoors, fishing, camping, traveling, and playing darts. Being with family and friends was important to him. He had an uncanny ability to find joy in the little things in life, having a positive outlook on everything he did. His positivity was contagious to those around him. He worked hard all of his life and even with all of his accomplishments, he remained humble. He will be greatly missed but his memory will continue to live on.
Sunrise: May 17, 1953
Sunset: May 11, 2024
Celebration of life
Saturday, May 25, 2024
1:00 P.M.
Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home
Pallbearers
Jesus Hernandez, Darius Garcia,
Carlos Garcia, Luke Rivers,
Pete Bowman, Joe Roy Zamora,
Edward Trujillo
