The Newspaper of Record since 1878
Rudolpho C. Lopez, 84, born on April 11, 1934 in Claypool, Ariz. and was a resident of Apache Junction AZ passed away peacefully on July 4, 2018 in Mesa, Ariz.
In 1951, he left Miami High School at the age of 17 to join the U.S. Navy, where he served his country for four years. He served in the Korean War aboard the USS Baltimore. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 15, 1955. His travels took him around the world. After his stint in the Navy he did construction working on the Glen Canyon Dam and started underground mining in Christmas, Ariz.
In 1965 he joined the Merchant Marines. The ship he served on provided supplies to U.S. soldiers fighting in the Vietnam War.
After returning to the U.S. from Vietnam he resumed his career as an underground miner. After many years of underground mining, he left that career and went to work at Pinto Valley Mine and worked there until he retired.
He was an avid reader and also enjoyed gardening, camping and fishing.
He was born to Ventura Lopez and Maria G. Lopez. He is survived by his two sons, Rudolpho “Al” Lopez (Robin), of Apache Junction and Lawrence L. Lopez, of Apache Junction; his five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He is also survived by his sisters, Connie Cocreham, of Central Heights, Mary E. Lopez, of Mesa and Jovita L. Howell, of Globe; his brothers, Joseph G. Lopez (Margaret), of Central Heights, Ben Lopez (Jan) of Glendale; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and eldest brother, Ted Lopez.
A memorial gathering celebrating the life of Rudolpho will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at the IBEW 518 Union Hall.
The IBEW is located at 1383 N Az Highway 188, Apache Trail, Globe, Az 85501.
A luncheon will be served immediately following the gathering.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to Hospice of the Valley.
