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BORN
1927
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
Mariano Lopez Obituary
Salinas
Well known Successful Business Owner Marion J. Lopez of Marion's Club Passes.
Marion J. Lopez, 86, of Salinas, passed Tuesday, May 21, 2013. He was born February 20, 1927, in Portola.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Thomasa Quinonez and Mrs. Beatrice Valdez, his tia, both of Sinaloa Mexico. Also preceded by his brother, Gilbert Lopez.
Marion grew up in San Juan Bautista. At age 16, he moved to Salinas for employment. He worked at the Salinas Ice Company until he was drafted May 2, 1945 into the Army where he served in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign until he was honorably discharged December 23, 1946. American Legion Post 31.
Following his return, Marion continued to work at the Salinas Ice Company. In 1950, he opened the 76 Union Gas Station on California and Market Street. Succeeding in business, he was offered to buy The Lotus Inn on Soledad Street. From 1963 to 1967, he grew his business and became a well known Bar Owner. On March 24, 1967, he took his business and established Marion's Club, aka "Mariano's Night Club" on Market Street, There, Marion Lopez dedicated his life to provide a place for the Hispanic Community to gather after a long work week, and enjoy live music. Marion's Club, now after 46 years, continues to reach customers North and South. His legacy will continue to entertain the Hispanic Community for which he loved.
Marion Lopez was an avid sportsman who enjoyed softball, bowling, fishing, golfing, hunting, playing pool, and water skiing. He participated in and sponsored many city softball and bowling leagues.
His love of travel has him from, Lake Tahoe to Mexico and even Greece.
Marion's greatest pleasures were spending time with his wife Martha, family and friends. He enjoyed listening and dancing to music, having a drink with friends, and watching the Giants game. He also loved giving treats to his two loving dogs, Frisky and Mona.
Marion Lopez reached out and touched the lives of many here in Salinas. He will forever be remembered in the memories and in the hearts of us who loved him.
Marion is survived by his wife, Martha Dakis Lopez of Salinas; his sister, Delia Martinez of San Jose; his four children, Corinne Garcia, Joanne Lopez (Alan) Knox, Maryann Lopez (Bruce) De Witt, and Joseph Lopez; his grandchildren, Kathleen (Daniel) Montanez, A.J. Knox, Michael, Larry and Sam Lom, Garrett, Marion De Witt; his great-grandchildren, Crystal Herrera, Adam (Feling) Herrera, Daniel Montanez and Emily Montanez; his great-great-grandchildren, Logan and Scarlett Herrera; and his loving step-children, Aris (Jessica), Sam and Henry Dakis and Maria Anderson and their children. Marion had many cousins, nieces, and nephews who all were dear to his heart.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at Alta Vista Mortuary, 41 East Alisal St., Salinas, CA 93901.
Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at Madonna del Sasso Church, 320 East Laurel Drive, Salinas, CA 93906.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2013. at Madonna del Sasso Church, 320 East Laurel Drive, Salinas, CA 93906.
Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 850 Abbott St., Salinas, CA 93901.
Arrangements by Alta Vista Mortuary, 41 East Alisal St., Salinas, 831-424-9700.
Online condolences: www.altavistamortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mariano Lopez
Denise Garibay Reynoso
May 18, 2020
He will always be uncle Marion. Such a good man. And dear friend to my father Dave Garibay. Rest in peace until we meet again.
Forever in my Heart
Mary Ann DEWITT
May 28, 2015
Dad, it has been 2 years since we said our goodbyes. Everyday since, I have missed you. I know you are up in heaven getting a well deserved rest. May God grant you peace. Love eternal your daughter Mary Ann
Corinne Garcia
June 2, 2013
Dad, I was with you the eve of your passing, knew you would be gone before I returned from my trip, so with my blessing for you to leave this earth, you rolled your eyes telling me you heard. So now,in both our hearts you have left memories for a lifetime. I will always love you.
your daughter, Corinne
Las Peligrosas
May 28, 2013
Don Mariano we will miss u thanks for everything
Marion's 50th Birthday Party, Toro Park
May 28, 2013
The Hunters, Marion and Dave Garibay
May 28, 2013
Marion, David Sexton & Dave Garibay San Felipe, Mexico
May 28, 2013
Candlestick Park - Go Giants
May 28, 2013
May 28, 2013
Rolanda Garibay
May 28, 2013
Mariano Lopez
I will truly miss this man. He was a great friend and a wonderful loving, caring person.
Not only did he love people, but he loved animals as well. I am sure Mona and Frisky (his little Pomeranian's)will be lost without him.
The wild birds that gathered in his back yard for their daily feeding will wonder where he is.
Marion will be missed by all who knew him and those whose lives he touched. Our family will carry him close in our hearts forever. We were blessed to have shared so many years with him.
My sincere condolences go out to his family.
May you rest in peace Mariano.
Rolanda Garibay
Joe Lopez
May 28, 2013
I remember pulling into the 76 gas station with my parents, Tato & Annie, and enjoying the atmosphere and surroundings. Thanks for an era long gone but fresh in our memories, for your service to our nations freedoms and for helping to make Salinas a better place to live.
Patty Ramirez
May 28, 2013
My buddy, how I'm going to miss you. My Condolences to the family.
Patty
The Cadena family & The Trevino's
May 28, 2013
Our family knew Mariano for many years. He was a very very close friend to our brother Luz Cadena. I wonder what is going on in heaven right now. Probably a big party along with the 2 best friends and the angels. Our condolences to the family and may Mariano rest in peace.
Trin & Dolores Valdivia
May 28, 2013
Godspeed Mariano..Your legacy will live on through what you taught the next generation. God has taken back one of his toughest soldiers for his next plan for you.
Denise Garibay-Olvera
May 27, 2013
You will truly be missed, I remember the bbq's and Partys when I was a little girl and you came to our home to visit my Dad(Dave Garibay). You will always be my Uncle Marion. Until we meet again. God Bless You.
Julia Meza
May 27, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to the family. I have lost a friend but will always remember him.
Dave Garibay
May 27, 2013
Memories of Marion Lopez, My Friend (The Boss)
I have known Marion since the early 50's. Over our 63 year friendship our relationship grew to a brotherly like closeness and mutual respect. He will remain close to my heart forever and I will miss him dearly.
Marion was a man who lived life to the fullest. He was a sportsman, fisherman and loved to travel.
He was a man with many self taught talents. He was very handy in all aspects of daily life. He could repair his vehicles, keep the equipment and machines running at the club at all times. If the jukebox went down, he would repair it, if the part was available, and the music would continue.
Together we tackled several building projects from small repairs at the Lotus Inn to the larger ones at Marion's Club. In the early days, he once told me that his biggest dream in life was to someday own his club and bar.
Marion always made time to enjoy life. He loved being around people, and loved to party, every chance he could. One of his biggest joys was to go fishing with Frank Lucio. We all enjoyed going to baseball games together to watch the Giants (Our Team). A lot of good memories for his close friends. In his final days, I would call him or he would call me to ask if I was watching the Giants play.
I loved our hunting trips when we were young and adventureous. We would be out in the high country for 2 or 3 days and then would stop in Reno or Tahoe, clean up, and go to the Casino's to “pay our dues” as “The Boss” would put it.
Going to watch Marion bowl was a special treat for our family on Wednesdays. We looked forward to those delicious burgers at the Rodeo Bowl and our special (alone time) with Marion.
Marion loved and cared about his fellow man. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need. I think he took that on as one of his responsibilities in life. He had a heart of gold and enjoyed sharing it.
First and foremost, his biggest priority was his family. He took care of his Mother and visited her regularly until she deceased. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. You could see the twinkle in his eyes when he would talk about their accomplishments that made him so proud. I know they loved him as much as he loved them. His closeness to his sister and cousins was amazing.
When it came to business/socializing, he was old school all the way. There are not many other bar owners that could match his personality. He always found time to sit down with a customer and enjoy a drink while the music played. (Oh how he loved to roll the dice). He loved winning, but he didn't like losing. No matter what, he was a good sport. He knew he'd get even. Win some, lose some.
He enjoyed taking his friends and family out for a meal. He also loved dancing and Mariachi Music. My family will cherish the wonderful times we spent with this great man. He will live in our hearts forever.
My sincere condolences to his family.
May Almighty God Bless and Keep Him.
Until we meet again, Boss
Dave Garibay
tino banda
May 26, 2013
Marions, thank you for just being a friend. You will dearly be missed, god bless you. Tino banda & fam.
Rodrigo & Alicia De La Cruz
May 25, 2013
Rest in Peace Amigo, To all the family my condolences, thru this difficult time. May God have him in his arms. Our very dear friend who we will never forget.
Rodrigo & Alicia De la Cruz
May 25, 2013
I have known Mariano for many yrs and as part of the many bands that played at his club I will never forget his friendship, generosity, and leadership he will always be remembered by all who knew him. Rest in Peace my friend. You will never be forgotten.
Jorge & Christina Garcia
May 24, 2013
Mariano was such a friendly nice loving person who will be missed dearly. Our deepest condolences to the family.
Emily & grandpa (The 2 softball players)
May 24, 2013
Marion and family
May 24, 2013
Marion and Mary Ann
May 24, 2013
Marion and Martha
May 24, 2013
2012 Xmas
May 24, 2013
Marion with friends
May 24, 2013
The Boss with his daughter Mary Ann
May 24, 2013
Marion at high school graduation
May 24, 2013
Marion and his daughter and granddaughter
May 24, 2013
Army photo
May 24, 2013
Shirley Macias
May 24, 2013
I am so glad to have met you at the 31 you will be missed on Wed nights. God Bless you and your family.
Christina Garibay-Ochoa
May 24, 2013
Mariano was an important part of our family and will be greatly missed. The memories will be cherished and he will live forever in our hearts. Rest in Peace!
Mary Ann Lopez-Dewitt
May 24, 2013
MY DAD, MARION J. LOPEZ WAS A GREAT MAN. HE WAS KNOWN BY MANY AS "THE BOSS", FOR WHICH HE EARNED HIS TITLE, WITH HARD WORK, DETERMATION, AND THE PASSION TO LIVE LIFE TO IT'S FULLIEST. HE WAS A SELF TAUGHT MAN OF LITTLE EDUCATION.
HIS SUCCUESSFUL BUSINESS MARION'S CLUB OF 46 YEARS, IS CONTRIBUTED TO HIS HEART AND GENEROSITY HE SHOWED TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM. HE WILL DEEPLY BE MISSED BY EVERYONE. I LOVE YOU DAD .
Susan Dakis
May 24, 2013
You were a kind man Marian. Rise in Peace
May 24, 2013
MARION IT WAS OUR PLESURE TO HAVE KNOWN YOU AND FAMILY. GOD BLESS AND OUR CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY RUDY OLGA ESPIRITU
Connie Mendoza
May 24, 2013
God saw you getting tired so he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come with Me."?
A golden heart stopped beating your tender hands at rest. God took you home to prove to us He only takes the best.
God has Mariano in his keeping … You have him in your heart.
Praying for faith to uphold you and loving memories to carry you through !
Rogelio Aparicio &
Connie Mendoza
Terry Davila
May 24, 2013
My thoughts and prayers for Mariano's family. Mariano was a very kind and caring friend to all. He will be missed.
Greg Gobby
May 24, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon DeMoor
May 23, 2013
I remember Mariano since I was a little girl. My step-father and Mom were good friends. I went to school and was friends with his step-kids too. He will be missed, but is a better place for sure. Thoughts and prayers go out to all his family.
Alta Vista Mortuary
May 23, 2013
Our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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