Arthur Luna Lopez

Arthur Luna Lopez, born July 8, 1928, died on Oct. 1, 2011, with his loved ones by his side.

Arthur was born in Las Cruces, N.M., something he was very proud of. After six days his parents, Manuel and Theresa, decided to travel, and they relocated in the Los Angeles area. His mother's sisters and brothers had moved to this area, mostly Artesia, Norwalk and Bellflower. Art attended catholic school and graduated from the eighth grade. He was at Artesia High School when he left to go and find his father (he did get his GED from Oxnard High School). Art found his father and he was very happy when he found out he had a brother and several sisters. As time went by he had three brothers and eight sisters. At the age of 17, he talked his mother into signing his enlistment so he could enlist in the army. He was trained in the state of Kentucky.

Soon after he shipped (he was very sea sick) to Okinawa, Japan. He learned enough Japanese to converse with them while he was there. While he was in Okinawa the boxing bug hit and he trained in the area. Several of his buddies made a group and had fighting exhibitions. When Art was sent to the states his group was asked if they would like to be in a boxing tournament. Art fought and his reward was golden glove nugget. This fight was at Madison Square Garden.

Later in his life. he picked up the bug again. He fought in Oxnard, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, and the once famous Olympic Arena. He was also a sparing partner to the original "Golden Boy" Art Aragon. He had a training camp in Ojai and would call Art. He had two local friends, Andy Solis and Ray Porras, as training partners. Arthur was accredited and taught appliance repair at Ventura Junior College, receiving many commendations for his work.

Arthur was discharged from the Army, he went to seek his mother. She lived in Camarillo. He was an appliance repairman at Perry's. While Art was living in Camarillo he met Nellie Macias. On March 2, 1952, they married. They had three sons and one daughter. They both continued to work in the Oxnard area. Later he was at Santa Paula working for AARDAPPLES. He was also employed by Berk's Furniture. He got a job with Laubacker Appliance. His last employment was as a bus driver for the Oxnard High School. He advanced to painter apprentice.

Due to a fall from the roof of a building, he was forced to retire. Art attended Mary Star of the Sea and became a Euchrist minister, serving noon mass with his son Michael. He also taught First Communion classes. He did this for about 20 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 48. He was also the president of the Latin American Veterans Club. He was an active member and was always willing to help.

Art loved sports. He and a group of friends played baseball. Art also managed a women's softball team. He liked bowling and he followed all the new fighters with his good friend Andy Solis. Later when he was forced to retire, he spent his time at the senior center on Palm Drive where he played pool and dominos. He loved to dance with his wife Nellie and everyone said they made a great couple. He would sometimes go with Nellie and play bingo.

Art was preceded in death by both parents, Manuel Lopez and Theresa Fuentes; brothers, Tony Lopez, and Manuel Lopez. He lost two sons, Gerard Arthur and Michael (who was killed in 1981). He is survived by his wife, Nellie; son, Art Jr.(Kathy) of Lapuente, son of Albert of the home and his princess daughter, Linda Ortega. He leaves behind seven grandsons, granddaughters, 24 great-grandsons, and seven great-granddaughters, and one great-great-grandson. His brother, Al Campa (Gloria) from Henderson, Nev.; two brothers, Manuel III, Alphonso, and sisters, Ranona Aguilar, Ruth Lopez (Cuca), Maggie Rizzo, Lucy Salazar, Lela Feyfee, Anita Ellis, Juanita Ceuallos, Mary Pizaro, all from San Jose area.

We thank the Livingston Hospice nurses for their great concern and caring. And lastly we, our family, want to thank our good friends Joanie Tallavaz for her love and support during the last four years. A visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, with a rosary directly after, at Reardon funeral home, 511 North A St., Oxnard, CA 93030. A mass will take place the following day, Friday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m. at Mary Star of The Sea church. Burial will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery.