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Joe Elias Lopez

Joe Lopez Obituary

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday , March 10, 2011 in Santa Cruz for Joe E. Lopez Sr. .He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 2, 2011. Mr. Lopez was born in Coahuila, Mexico, raised in Texas and then moved to Fresno when was a teenager. He moved to Santa Cruz in 1969 and began working with an insulation company which converted to roofing and he eventually started his own business, "Joe E. Lopez Roofing." His career in roofing spanned over 40 years.

His physically demanding job did not slow him down when it came time to be with his family. His children will forever remember his dedication to them. As his family grew, he was always there for them. A good friend said, "rain or shine Joe was there". Joe was especially close to his grandchildren. The strength and wisdom he possessed will forever be cherished as he will be remembered as a wonderful father and grandfather.

He was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Santa Cruz. His hobbies included fishing, camping, and fixing projects. Mr. Lopez is survived by his children: daughter; Jovita Lopez of Soquel, son; Joe E. Lopez Jr. of Santa Cruz, son; victor Lopez of Santa Cruz, and daughter; Laura Pacheco of Santa Cruz. He is also survived by his friend and former spouse, Frances Lopez of Santa Cruz, his grandchildren; Andrew Quitevis IV, Victoria Quitevis, and David Lopez.; great granddaughter, Aiyana Quitevis, along with many dear friends residing in Santa Cruz County. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jovita Lopez.

The mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church 515 Frederick Street in Santa Cruz, on Thursday, March 10th, beginning at 1 p.m. Friends may pay their respects at a viewing starting Thursday morning at the church from 9 a.m. until the mass begins. Committal services will be private at Holy Cross Cemetery in Santa Cruz. Arrangements are under the direction of Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle for Joe and share condolences for the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Mar. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Joe Lopez

32 Entries

Laura

April 1, 2013

Five thousand dollar dream. I had another dream of you not too long ago. David and I were going to Texas with an author, some lady. She was going to write a book about us/our journey. You were sitting on stool, I think at the Santa Cruz Diner and said you better ask for $5000 dollars. Like you didn't want her to take advantage. That is something you would say. Looking out for us always. I miss your little comments that were so smart. I love you Dad and I miss you very much.

Laura Pacheco

March 2, 2013

Dad, Its two years today. I miss you so much. Almost everyday I need you for something. I wish you were here. You were so needed for so many things. I feel stronger but I miss you terribly. David is so huge now. He misses you terribly too.
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die.
Until we meet again and I see your beautiful twinkling eyes and smiling face...I love you.

Laura

March 31, 2012

My favorite dream so far of you is this: I was in this old house, possibly the one on Blaine St. or Cottonwood. I was in the living room and it was night and you were just outside the window. I saw you and got so excited to see you! I went to the window and put my hand on the glass and you did the same. All of a sudden the glass was not there anymore and we interlocked hands. Then you were right beside me and gave me the biggest hug possible. It was such a warm loving hug. I remember I could still smell you when I woke up. It was nice to know that you are still checking up on me. I know your there and I'm glad.

Laura Pacheco

March 31, 2012

Hey Dad, It's been a while. I really missed you on 3/2/12 and on 3/10/12, but on 3/22/12 I broke down several times. I just wanted to see your face and see your eyes looking back at me. I felt lots of love that day. Kim was there for me. Eugene was thinking of you too. We ALL really miss you. I wrote on facebook: Every step I take, every move I make, every single day, I'll be missing you. Thinking of the day when you went away (I was holding your wrist feeling your pulse- praying I wouldn't lose you, then your pulse slowly faded away and I kept checking every five minutes after hoping it would return. It didn't.) What a life to take, what a bond to break. It's kind hard with you not around. I know your in heaven smiling down. Still can't believe your gone. Until the day we meet again, in my heart is where I'll keep you friend. I always felt like we were buddies. We had a lot of special time together. Thanks for being such an amazing Dad. You were amazing since I was little all the way until the moment you left. David misses you everyday. He is still having a hard time. It didn't hit him right away then it was like a bomb fell in his lap. He wishes you were here. I think no one accepts him like you did. Of course I love him unconditionally but it was different with you, he could do no wrong with you. You were always on his side and now I think he feels alone. I try to tell him we all love him the same but you and him- you guys were like kindred spirits. A very special bond. I dedicate that song: "Hurt" to you. I love you so much.

Victoria Quitevis

November 10, 2011

Hi, Grandpa. I haven't wrote you in a while. I know that your gone, but at the same time I don't know if I believe it? I can't describe what I feel. I miss spending time with you, talking to you. You were the best grandfather in the world... there is no doubt about that. I really do appreciate everything you did for me, I could never forget that.You were so patient when you did things and so selfless, you put others before yourself. This is what I admired most about you. I miss you grandpa. I hope your in heaven with my dad, I miss him so much too. Love you, see you later alligator

Laura Pacheco

August 17, 2011

Hey Dad, We really miss you. I miss you. I watched the movie Armageddon on AMC. That was the last movie we saw together before you stopped talking in ICU. Andre and David were there too. Before that movie was the movie Ghost. Weird movies for the last movies we see together. Especially when her Dad dies. I couldn't handle it last night. Right now your watch is going off, I used to hate it. Maybe it's your way of letting me know you're right here with me. You hated when I cried. I miss everything about you. Everything reminds me of you. I decided I'm going to fix Mom's living room- the leak. I know I can do it, so I am. You're gonna be proud. You give me confidence to do something like that. Knowing you would do it- just like that. I think David is missing you more and more. He can't even look at your pictures. I put them in an album- all you. David couldn't do it. Everyday- I still don't know what to do without you. I have so many questions. I miss your quiet way of being there. I feel lost. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you.
Love- Your Babygirl.

Laura

June 22, 2011

Without him. Opps

Laura P

June 20, 2011

Hey Dad Yesterday was awful. Missed you so much. David said, "It's just not the same with him." I agree.

Laura

June 16, 2011

I put in a entry on 5/26/11 and it didn't take for some reason. RIP Buddy Lopez. Now you and your master happy together. I'm sure you missed each other.

Laura

June 16, 2011

Can't wait for this Sunday to be over with! Hurts too much.

Buddy and Jovita

Laura P

May 26, 2011

Rest In Peace Buddy 5/26/11

Laura P.

May 26, 2011

Laura Pacheco

May 18, 2011

Hey Dad, Had a dream about you last night. You were calling my name like you always did, like trying to wake me up or get my attention. I ran over to you and was sooo happy to see you. You gave me the biggest bear hug ever! You were smiling and being your playful self. I kept checking your pulse and saying over and over, your alive! Your ALIVE! Your heart is beating. I think I did that because I work in medical and thats the last time I touched you was when you died I had my hand on your pulse and felt you slowly drift away. I kept checking your pulse over and over for 45 min after you died. Didn't want to let you go or believe it. In the dream I asked you if you heard my speech in church and you said no. I was dissappointed but then you reminded me of the letter I wrote 2 wks before you died. It said basically the same thing but more. In the dream I kept my hands on you like I didn't want to let you go. I miss you but your hug was the warmest hug I've ever felt. Thanks Dad. Still looking out.

VICTORIA QUITEVIS

May 2, 2011

HI GRANDPA, I MISS YOU. I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE YOU AREN'T HERE. I MISS SPENDING TIME WITH YOU, DOING THE LITTLE THINGS WE USED TO DO. YOUR ALWAYS IN MY MEMORIES AND IN MY HEART. I LOVE YOU, ALWAYS. I PRAY THAT YOU ARE IN HEAVEN, RESTING. SAY HI TO MY DAD, FOR ME. I HOPE YOU TWO ARE IN HEAVEN, IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE, I COULD IMAGINE. LOVE ALWAYS, VICTORIA

Victoria Quitevis

April 6, 2011

It's hard to believe you aren't here anymore. I guess I havn't accepted it yet... You were the best Grandpa in the world. You were the epitome of what a man should be. Hardworking, funny,loving, supportive and encouraging. I remember when I was about ten years old and I was helping you build something. I became frustrated and said, "Grandpa I can't do it". You became angry at me, and "told me to never say I can't. That I can do anything." I will never forget that moment. Your encouragement and belief in me, has made me into the person I am. You were one the person's I was most close to and no one compares to you. I am going to graduate from college next Spring,then grad. school here I come. You would be so proud. I am heart broken you will not be able to walk me down the isle, you were supposed to do that because my Dad is gone. All I can do is remember the many memories we share. I miss you everyday. I will see you again in heaven but for now i carry you in my heart.Love you Grandpa

Being silly

Laura

April 4, 2011

2/14/09 Me and Dad

Laura

April 4, 2011

Jessica Milbridge

March 22, 2011

I am thinking of you Joe. You and your family. Today, we celebrate you!
Happy Birthday dear friend!
Miss you!

March 11, 2011

Super Dad- that's what he was. He was always there for me no matter what. What a treat is was when he had to bring lunch to us at school. McDonalds no less. He knew how to spoil us. He never stopped doing little things like that all the time no matter what our age. He always made sure we were alright. Yesterday at his funeral I arrived early and was thinking if he were here right now he would be there with me early on time asking me, "What do you need, need me to do anything, get anything?" I broke down right then and there. He was always the first one to be there for someone. At my Wedding he picked up and delivered all the food and stuck there till his eyes was blood shot and he looked like he needed to be admitted for exhaustion. When we were little, when he walked through the door, I swear Santa walked through the door. We loved the very sight of him. He was at every game or event in our lives. On cold winter mornings he would warm up my car for me. He wouldn't ask- he'd just do it. That was him. Even in ICU super sick he would ask me, "how are you, hows the headache?" Always looking out. He had his own sign language too. One time he was flapping his arms, couldn't think of the word and he asked me, "do you have any...um." I was laughing so hard. I went to work and told my co-worker about it and before I told her what he was asking she goes,"Oh you mean airborne (for a cold)." He was a sweet, charming man with a twinkle in his eye yet tough sensible, clever and witty. He had a strong walk, Jovita and I called it the hulk walk. I loved his hands thick and handy. He could fix anything or make anything and also tickle any kid to death. And when he gave you "that look"..could mean many different things but you knew what he was saying. He was a good Grandpa, very close to David. They were forever protecting eachother. I had no chance at scolding David in front of him. I got his gene of fixing things. I'm known as Mrs fix it and I thank him for that. Although he doesnt appreciate my "Pink" tools when he HAD to use them. Gave me that look again. Or his crooked upside down smile. Or his fake smile-being funny. I will always be his baby girl who climbed on his knee early in the morning when no one else was awake just to be with my Daddy before he went off to work. I wonder who will I call now? No one can replace him. They don't make them like they used to. He went too soon. I already miss him from the moment he left. I love you Dad. Don't worry about us. We'll be ok. May you Rest in Peace.

Jazmine Milbridge

March 9, 2011

R.I.P Joe Elias Lopez, You had the kindest heart I had ever come to know. You will never be forgotten. I'll cherish the time you bought me my first Tyke Bike on my 2nd birthday to the last time I saw you in your usual seat at the Santa Cruz Diner summer of 2010. I'll never forget any of it. I wish I had been able to spend more time with you in the past, so I we could have more memories. I miss you everyday, and I'm always thinking of you. I know God has a diner set up in heaven just for you. I love you Joe, and I'll see you on the other side ? Love, Jazmine

Jessica Milbridge

March 9, 2011

Joe. I am so saddened by your passing. You were such an amazing man, with the kindest of hearts and a wonderful spirit. You touched my life in a way that I will forever be grateful and I will always remember you! I know that God has a very special place for you in Heaven. My heart pours out to your family at this tragic time. I can only begin to imagine the pain that they feel in losing you. May we all find peace in knowing that God has a bigger plan for you. May you R.I.P. old friend. I love you and I will miss you dearly. Our visits to Santa Cruz will never be the same. Until we meet again....?

Deena Sierras

March 8, 2011

We have been and will continue praying for all of you... Tia Frances, Jovita, Joe, Victor, Laura, David, Andrew and Victoria... during this difficult time. I do hope you feel comfort by sharing your dad's memory with one another,with family and friends. May you find comfort and strength from God and from one another. Love and hugs, your cousin, Deena

The young Roofer

Laura Pacheco

March 8, 2011

Always helping

Laura Pacheco

March 8, 2011

The Roofer, the man, the legend.

March 8, 2011

If it all falls apart, I will know deep in my heart...I was loved by you. I love you Dad and I will miss you everyday. You were the best Dad. Your Babygirl, Laura

Annette Sierras

March 7, 2011

Laura,Jovita,Vic and Jo Jo,

My heart goes out to all of you, i am so sorry about the passing of your dad. He's now resting with all the angels in heaven and some day we will all meet up in that eternal paradise right there with him. I can remember like it was yesterday, when we were little, and we would all hop in the back of your dads El Camino and he would take us cruizing and he would take us to go get ice cream and candy, and we would wave to all the passing cars, lol, we were on top of the world, such good times and great memories. You guys take care and just know you have a lot of love and prayers coming out of Sacramento. God Bless you and may you feel the loving arms of the Lord being wrapped around you, comforting you at this difficult time.

Your cousin,
Annette

John Huckins

March 6, 2011

We will miss Joe so much he was a good friend to us.

Angie St John

March 6, 2011

I will miss you "dad". I will always remember your kind heart and sweet smile.

Marsha Guerra

March 6, 2011

I am so very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was an awesome man. My heart goes out to his family.

Jovita Lopez

March 6, 2011

I love you dad and I miss you so very much, you were and always be the best dad in the world.

March 6, 2011

I would like to thank everyone for their great support "the Lopez family" has received during these last few days after my dad's death of March 2, 2011. Dealing with my dad's death has been tough and I believe I forgot an important news to include in the obituary, we would like very much for family and friends to join us at the reception at the VFW Hall at 2259 7th Ave., after the 1PM mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. The mass will be approximately 1 hour.
I love you dad very much.
Jovita

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