Ralph Joseph Lopez

Ralph Joseph Lopez 12/07/25 – 01/09/26 Born and raised in Bakersfield. Ralph proudly served in the US Navy during WWII on LST 225. He attained the rank of Signalman Third class. His ship participated in battles in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Saipan, Battle of Tinian, and the Battle of Peleliu. He proudly shared a few memories of his service in chapter 4 of "Never Forget; The final stories from The Greatest Generation" authored by Arnold S. Martinez.

He worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad as a boilermaker until the time the steam engines were being phased out. He then worked as a Machinist Welder at Hopper Steel until his retirement at age 65.

He was the honorary Grand Marshall in the 2025 Veteran's Day Parade; was presented with his WWII medals by the Veteran's Last Patrol; and celebrated in the 250th Anniversary of the Navy with local Veteran's.

He enjoyed golfing, camping, tinkering and building in his patio and spending time with his family.

Ralph is preceded in death by his Wife Hortencia Lopez, his parents James and Valentina, sisters, Annie, Virginia, Juanita, Helen. Brothers, Jimmy and Lawrence. He is survived by his daughter, Rosemary Lopes Yap, and her husband Frank; granddaughter Denyse Pieraccini, and her husband Kenny, great-grandson Kristopher, great-granddaughters, Amanda and Capryce; grandson Nathan Romero, and his wife, Moria, great-granddaughters, Jacqueline and Juliana; daughter, Loraine Lopez, grandson, Tom Castro, great-granddaughter Sophia, and great-great grandson, Elliott; granddaughter, Courtney McDonald, and her husband James, great-grandson, Joshua, and great-granddaughters, Avery and Alina; grandson, Roman Castro, great-granddaughters, Eliahna, Viviana, and Andrea; sister-in-law's, Delores and Rachel along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family invites you to contribute in lieu of flowers to The Kenneth Teeters Foundation https://kennethteetersfoundation.org which is dedicated to honoring and supporting local veterans.