Apolonio Lopez, Jr.

1939 - 2026

In Loving Memory Of

Leandro C. Lara

July 18, 1939 - February 27, 2026

Apolonio Lopez, Jr. was born in Harlingen, TX on July 18,1939 to the late Apolonio Lopez, Sr. and Simona Calderon Lopez who made it possible for him to achieve his education of obtaining his music degree. He attended Austin Elementary School and Minnie B. Gar Jr. High where he joined the junior high school band and started to learn and play the trumpet under the direction of Mr. Joe Fullerton, Jr. High School Band Director.

Apolonio attended Harlingen High School 1955-1958 and played in the Harlingen Cardinal band under the direction of Mr. Joe Frank, High School Band Director, Mr. Art Radley and Mr. L.M. Snavely, Assistant High School Band Directors. Apolonio played the trumpet and challenged to become 1st chair both his junior and senior year. Participated in Tri State in Oklahoma at Phillips University Enid, Oklahoma, University of Texas Band Day-Austin, Texas and Buccaneer Day Parade, Corpus Christi, TX. The years in being a member of the Harlingen Cardinal Band were great musical and inspirational experiences that led to his passion of playing the trumpet, studying music and teaching instrumental music. 

Apolonio graduated from Harlingen High School in 1958.

Upon graduation from high school, Apolonio received a partial music scholarship to North Texas State University in Denton, TX. With his parents blessing, he packed his one suitcase and trunk and travelled by bus to Denton, TX. to pursue his dream of becoming a band director and obtain his music degree. While at N.T.S.U., he studied music and played trumpet with the N.T.S.U. Band under the direction of Mr. Maurice McAdoo Band Director and Mr. John Haynie as his trumpet instructor. Apolonio actively participated in the Symphony Orchestra, Brass Ensemble and Phi Mu Alpha Chorus. His performances include Texas Boys' Choir and Symphonic Men's Choir in Dallas, Texas N.T.S.U. Band on tour through several states-Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri, performed at the inauguration of the Texas Rangers Baseball Team into the NFL League at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas and TMEA in Dallas, Texas.

Upon graduation from N.T.S.U. in May 1963, he began teaching band at Mary Hoge Junior High School and also as the Assistant High School Band Director to the Weslaco High School Band in Weslaco, Texas 1963-1965.

Inurnment services will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria, TX.

With profound love and remembrance, the family of Apolonio Lopez, Jr.  have entrusted his funeral arrangements to Lenny Elizondo, funeral director/owner of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 East Harrison Ave., Harlingen, Texas 78550. For information, please call (956) 364-2444 or visit www.trinityfunerals.com