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Rafael "Pate" Lopez

FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-Valente Marini Perata & Co.

4840 Mission Street

San Francisco, California

Rafael Lopez Obituary

LOPEZ, Rafael "Pate" - Rafael "Pate" Lopez' spirit left us on November 22, 2005. Beloved son of Luisa Lopez and the late Rafael; loving father of Malea Lopez Chavez, and brother to Juan (Marie), Estela and Mario (Adelina) Lopez, he is loved and missed by many. Rafael was a loving uncle, cousin and friend to many throughout his life. Rafael was born in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico and was raised in the Mission District of San Francisco. He was a long time community activist, organizer, and leader. He worked for various community organizations including Arriba Juntos. He also served as the Assistant Director of the Mayor's office of Employment and Training in San Francisco and in Oakland. His vast knowledge of San Francisco's history and culinary wonders was gained, in part, from years of driving a limousine. He spent the past ten years working for Moscone Convention Center where he was an active AFL-CIO SEIU Local 1877 union member and valued employee. He loved to ride Harleys, dance, enjoy music, and told the best stories. Family and friends may visit on Wednesday after 4 p.m. and are invited to attend the vigil at 8 p.m. at the chapels of VALENTE, MARINI, PERATA & CO., 4840 Mission St., SF. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Charles Church, 713 So. Van Ness, SF. Committal Service to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Nov. 29, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Rafael Lopez

17 Entries

Al Salamat

February 19, 2006

To Rafael, I had many great memories of our teen-age years together at Rolph Park.

Malea Chavez

December 28, 2005

I love and miss my Dad very much. I know he would be overjoyed with all of the kindness and support that everyone has shown. He was a huge part of me and my life. I will carry him with me forever. I hope to continue to live my life in a way that would make him proud. I also hope to keep in touch with all of the friends and family who have re-entered my life.

I thank everyone for being there for me and my family,

Cristine Lopez

December 2, 2005

My uncle Rafael was the smartest person I ever had the privilege of knowing.If you had a question I can guarantee he had an answer for you. He was also one of the coolest. He taught me how to do the "Cabbage Patch" a good 10 years ago. And I am proud to say I still do it to this day.He was a wonderful person with a huge heart. For the past week all I can think about is his smile and laugh. How I wish I could witness both just one last time.

Rafael-

I just want you to know that you have forever touched my life. It hurts so much to say bye to you because we didnt have enough time together but just know that I love you. Please watch over your little brother and my dad. He just lost his best friend and big brother. He may need a helping hand from you to get thru this tough time.I still cant believe that your gone. I have to keep reminding myself because it all seems surreal. I keep thinking about Christmas and how much I'm gonna miss you coming over on Christmas day. It was tradition. But just know that I will deeply, truly, honestly, and forever miss and love you.

Love you ALWAYS,

Your Cristiner Beaner

TiAnna Loera

December 2, 2005

Rafael, you were'nt blood, but you sure are family. Your vitality lives on in my son, you great newphew, Noah Rafael Loera. We will miss you dearly and remember you always. Really, I'm going to miss that goofy smile. It crackes me up. ^_^

Claude

December 2, 2005

Dear Malea,

I never got a chance to meet you and talk with you in person at the vigil or the funeral, so I hope you somehow get to read this. It's strange how we're all connected. The day your father passed away, I was thinking of him. Something happened at Civic Center one day that was one of the funnies things I ever saw, and your father and I were working right there together when it happened. We laughed so hard together, that we were in tears. Well, the day your father left us, I was at work remembering that day we laughed so hard. I started laughing so hard again, that the tears came out. I think he came and visited me.

After Communion yesterday the priest asked us to say something to your father that we had been meaning to tell him. One day your father and I were talking about our families, and I was telling him my kids' names. Then he told me your name. Well, I thought I knew every Latin name, and I was stumped, and I said "what does Malea mean?" He said he didn't know, but that he just liked it. So I always wanted to learn the meaning of that name. About a year ago I was listening to some Italian music, and your name came up in it, and I found out that in Italian, it means "MAGIC". When I found that out, I really wanted to tell your father, and I thought that when I saw him again that's the first thing I would say to him.

Because I knew he loved you more than anything. When he talked about you his posture would change, he would stop slouching, and be straight at attention, and he would just start to shine. I thought that he would agree that you definitely are magic, the magic that makes his heart shine.

Dee Browning

December 1, 2005

Rafael was a good co-workers and friend. He was always willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. He could be depended upon no matter the situation.

I will miss him so much. He was geniunely a nice person who helped out whenever he was called upon regardless of the task.

Dee Browning

Robert Dwight

December 1, 2005

I first met Rafael in '68-'69 during our days of "community activism". He was instramental in organizing the youth at Rolph Park

to participate in the

Mission Area Youth Council,sucessfully negotiating for youth employment with major dept stores like Sears Roebuck,White Front,USE and others in the Mission. I had the pleasure of working with him on many other community issues over the years.

He was a good man who deeply loved his community and never once forgot his roots. He will be missed. God bless him and his family. Rest in peace Rafael.

Claude

November 30, 2005

Rafael,

Much love to you and your family, Brother. I was blessed to meet you and come through Moscone at the same time as you. You made a hard night's work go by quickly with all your stories, your insight, and your humor. Your automotive advice is with me forever-thanks for turning me on to all the right Cadillacs. Wherever I roll, you're rolling with me, for sure.

SorIdee Barbosa

November 30, 2005

I worked with Rafael during the "MOET" days(CETA) when he was working for Arriba Juntos. Over the years I lost track of so many people, and it was 3 years ago that I found Rafael, through a friend(brother) Jesse Valencia. Jesse has also left us. We (Rafael & I) had a great dinner talking about old times and how proud he was of his daughter. His eyes sparkled!!! Mi hermano, I will miss you ...............SorIdee

Estela Loera

November 30, 2005

To my big brother Rafael: When I think of you I always remember your laughter and your smile. You always had something funny to say, or a story to tell. My children Juan, Rick and Adriana always looked forward to your visits or phone calls. They love you so much, we all do. You were a beautiful example of love, the relationship you had with your daughter, Malea, was awesome. Mom says when you called her you would always tell her that you loved her, that meant alot to her. You loved all of us and we will always love you. We will miss you a great deal. I will pray for you, please pray for all our family.

Mario Lopez

November 30, 2005

Rafael, you have been the greatest Big brother that one can ever have. I will always remember the way you watched over me while I was growing up, even as an adult you never stopped checking up on me. I love you for this and for the way you have been in each of my children’s lives. I have always needed you in my life and still do, I know you will be watching over my family as you always have from up above. We will miss you and love you for ever and ever. You will always be in our hearts and thoughts.

Your little brother Mario Lopez & family.

Jim Kennedy

November 29, 2005

It was a privelege to work with you, Rafael. I learned a lot from you. You had a lot to offer family, friends and the community and you did not hesitate to give of yourself.Those were special times and you were special. May God be with you and yours.

Chiori Santiago

November 29, 2005

Rafael, you knew where to find the best carnitas in the Mission and insisted on feeding them to us with hot tortillas off the grill. You stayed up all night one New Year's Eve and then took us to Doggie Diner on 17th at dawn - what a way to greet the day. You loved being a dad--remember bringing Malea over to celebrate Tito's 2nd birthday? Somehow I believe you're still out there joking around and driving that limo. Thanks for bringing all of us so much joy. Abrazos to Kathy & your family. I'll always remember our youth when I think of you, Chiori

mercy hernandez

November 29, 2005

He was a great boss who knew how to party! We had wonderful times at Arriba Juntos where we treated each other like one big happy family. I'll never forget the mexican recipes he shared with me or the friendship we had throughout the years. I will surely miss him.

George Suncin

November 29, 2005

I remember that great big smile and the words "How can I help you brother". Always there with no expectations. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family. This Sunday I will light a candle in your honor. Rest in peace my brother.

Mauricio Avilés

November 29, 2005

I will always remembers the community meetings in his private office at the roof of Red Brick building sicking inspiration to better help the community

Arturo Riera

November 29, 2005

You were my first Boss and friend in San FRancisco. YOu made me feel like a part of your family. I will always remember you as a man who was extremely intelligent, street smart and a natural-born leader. God bless you and your family. No te digo adios si no, hasta luego hermano.

Arturo

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