Joe Lopez

Joe E. Lopez died peacefully in his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Thursday, June 9, 2022. He was 88.  A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, his legacy as a servant for others will live forever. 

Joe was second of six children born to Jose and Eufelia Lopez, arriving September 10, 1933.  He began delivering the Santa Fe New Mexican as a youngster; his family eventually would have the first and largest motor delivery of the paper across the city. 

He was drafted by the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served in Germany from 1953 until his honorable discharge in 1955. 

Joe married his beloved wife, Alice, and together they built a family of four girls. They shared 64 years of marriage.  Joe was a proud father of his girls and they share many memories that include camping, hauling firewood and riding motorcycles together. 

Alice and Joe have been faithful parishioners for 54 years at St. Anne’s Catholic Parish, where Joe was head usher and served on the parish council.   

Joe was a tireless worker.  He worked with his brother Rollie at Prudential Insurance, Valley Gold Dairies and American Gypsum Co. They helped found Local 419 of the AFL-CIO United Cement, Lime and Gypsum Workers International Union.  Joe also was an advocate for Santa Fe’s west side, helping to bring paved streets, sidewalks and other infrastructure to the area. He also loved spending time at and developing family land in Cerro Piñon. 

Joe was preceded in death by his daughter Guadalupe Lopez, siblings Belle Doolittle, Luis Lopez and Rollie Lopez, his sister-in-law Esther Lopez and his brother-in-law John Doolittle.

Joe is survived by his wife, Alice, and his daughters: Charlene Tapia and husband John; Belinda McNerney and husband Pat; Deanna Creel and husband Bruce; and Josephine Paul and husband Eric. He also is survived by his brother Levi Lopez, sister Carmen Ortiz, brother-in-law Louie Ortiz, sisters-in-law Susie Lopez and Rosalie Lopez, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be recited will be celebrated at 7:30 pm Sunday, June 19, 2022 at St. Anne Catholic Parish.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, Monday, June 20, 2022 at St. Anne’s.  Burial services with full military honors at the Santa Fe National Cemetery will be held Wednesday at 9:00am.

Due to the rise in COVID cases the family asks that attendees wear masks.