Dionicio Castillo "Tony" LOPEZ

Owner of Old Mexico Restaurant for 50 years entered into rest just two days after his 87th birthday. Born on June 13, 1926 in Tequila Jalisco, Mexico to parents Dionicio Castillo Lopez and Maria Flores, he passed away in Zamora Michoacan, Mexico on June 15, 2013. It brings great comfort to the family knowing that he was greeted in death by the love of his life, soul mate and wife of 65 years, Elisa Avalos Lopez, who passed away in 2012. Tony also was predeceased by his son Mario Lopez. He is survived by five children, all of Santa Rosa. Luis Lopez, Fernando Lopez (Adelfa), Martha Lopez and partner Elvia, Juana Parker (Dave Sr.) and Gus Lopez (Maria). He is the cherished grandfather of 15 and the adored great grandfather of 12. Known for his fighting spirit, business skills, dignity and work ethic to name just a few qualities, Tony never let anything stand in the way of his dreams. Despite a terrible childhood accident that left him lame, he walked across the border to come to America and provide a better life for his family. He worked as a chef at a major hotel in San Francisco. He then sent for his family and from then on worked "harder than any man they've known", his children all say. He opened Old Mexico in Santa Rosa in the 1960's. Additionally, Tony was one of the original founders of The Mexican Village at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds 40 years ago. He was very proud to become an American citizen in 1973. Reared in La Barca Jalisco, Mexico he grew up Catholic. Later in life he became a Jehovah Witness and is well known in Zamora for his generosity in providing donations and clothing to the people there. In the past few years he returned to the Catholic faith. He was a romantic man who would often pick roses from his garden for his wife and serenade her in Spanish in a wonderful baritone voice. He loved nothing more than being surrounded by his family in his last years. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services to beheld in Zamora, Mexico. Celebration of life in Santa Rosa to be decided at a later date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.