Robert Lopez

Robert Lopez, aka "Bob" (87) passed away peacefully on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2023 in Chula Vista, California. His loving family was by his side. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family and friends; his heartwarming smile; his fun personality and his passion for being an announcer throughout San Diego and Baja, CA.

He was a native San Diegan, born May 28, 1935, in National City to Adelfa & Jesus Lopez. He was the youngest in his family and the only son. He had two beautiful sisters, Nell and Beatrice (aka "Nows & Beah").

By the time Bob graduated from Sweetwater High school in 1953, he was already working on his life-long passion... being an "announcer". He emceed all the school proms and sporting events. He was an elected member of the National Forensics League (NFL), an honor society that recognized high school students in speech and debate. He also acted in the Senior play. He was considered a cool cat by his peers. His nickname was "Sham" as he had a great head of hair on top and a ducktail in the back. After graduation, he worked at Rohr Aircraft as an assemblyman.

Bob embarked on his college career at San Diego State University (SDSU) as a Communication Major. The Radio Department he studied in was a Quonset hut (military style) with a tape recorder, which was rare in those days. This was a thrilling time for Bob. He joined Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and joked that they were the hammiest frat at SDSU (they all wanted to be in show business).

In the fall of 1955, Bob moved to Long Beach to complete additional courses with his best friend Dwayne Schirmer (who later became "Shane in Wonderland" on TV-8). Again, Bob was an announcer emceeing basketball games at school as well as parades and Christmas events at the Lakewood Shopping Center. Then, he joined the staff at KLON part-time to announce a rock 'n roll show at 4:00-6:00 pm (on a classical FM music station!) Bob and Dwayne also formed a duet called the "DudiBops" and sang with several rock 'n roll bands at east Los Angeles high schools. The next year, Bob moved back to San Diego and was involved in the school's radio station at City College.

In 1957 he married the girl next door "Gina Cavada" and they were happily married for 32+ years. They had four wonderful children - two girls, "Rhoda & Shane"; and two boys, "Robert & Guy". In 2002, he married Sharon Masseth. They were happily married for 12 years.

He started his career at the KFMB TV station on May 11, 1958, doing props for live TV and then worked his way up to Production Technician. During Bob's 30+ years at KFMB, he appeared on the following shows: "Monty Hall's Birthday Carousel"; "Shane in Wonderland"; the "Bob Dale Show"; "Sun-Up San Diego"; "Senior Ballroom"; the "Regis Philbin Show"; and he hosted "International Hour" and "Latin Profile". In addition to his work at KFMB, Bob found time to moonlight doing announcing gigs for the Jai Alai games in Tijuana; the Bull Fights; and the "Fiesta 200" celebration in Old Town, San Diego, just to name a few.

He loved swimming and taking care of his backyard pool; playing tennis (he was very competitive he'd tease his opponents by joyfully shouting out "is anybody home?!" whenever they missed a ball). He also loved backgammon and ping-pong (table tennis). He coordinated a Table Tennis Tournament at KFMB-TV and he managed to get Mr. Myers, the General Manager, to approve and fund the yearly event. They named Bob "The Commissioner" (he was very proud of that title).

Bob resided at Paradise Village Retirement Home in National City from February 2020 (the start of the Covid pandemic) thru July 2022. While a resident at Paradise Village, he won a Corn Hole Tournament award with his friend and teammate Mike (another proud moment). Bob also enjoyed playing competitive pool (billiards) with his two daughters Rhoda & Shane and his friends at Paradise. Plus, he loved the Padres (his father brought him up to be a life-long fan).

His final residence was at Sunrise Senior Living in Bonita, San Diego. He quickly became part of their Memory Care family. He enjoyed music, painting, bingo, and lots of games at Sunrise.

Bob requested no service or pomp and circumstance. He was honored at St. Anthony's Church in National City on Easter Sunday Mass with his immediate family in attendance. He was remembered by his closest friends in Borrego Springs for one last tequila toast in honor of their cherished friend.

Bob was predeceased by his youngest son Guy; his loving wife Sharon; his parent's Adelfa & Jesus Lopez; his sister Beatrice, and his brother-in-law Frank Chenelle (Bob gave his "last speech" at Frank's funeral). He is survived by his sister Nell Lopez; his daughter Rhoda and her husband Javier Escovedo; his second daughter Shane and her husband Jeffrey Lee Huckabee; his first son Robert aka "El Vez"; his first wife Gina Lopez; 17 nephews and nieces; and 2 godchildren.

Photos: Above, Robert Lopez, Sweetwater High School class of 1953. Below, Bob in October 2022 thru January, 2023.