Robert Joseph Lopez

Robert Joseph Lopez was a beloved husband, father & brother. Robert was born in Bronx, NY and grew up in Manhattan, NY off of 116th Street. Growing up as the oldest of three kids, he was always very protective of his siblings Stephen Lopez & Linda Nave. He ensured no one picked on his brother or sister. Robert was popular in school cause of his charisma, good looks and athleticism. Robert was ranked top two in the state of New York for swimming. Additionally, he excelled in basketball which allowed him to earn a scholarship for high school. Robert would like to tell us a story on how he got to play against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar back in high school and how good he was.

In 1960, at the tender age of 13, he was out playing basketball and laid eyes on the love of his life, Adele Melanson. He would always say “those legs.” He told his best friend “one day, I’m going to marry that girl." The two fell in love and were inseparable ever since. Robert enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 18 and was first stationed at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, TX. Robert and Adele were married in 1965 spending over 50 years with each other.

Robert was then sent overseas to fight alongside some of his closest friends in the Vietnam War. He ended up spending 25 years in the Air Force finishing as a Chief Master Sergeant before retiring in 1986. He was the Air Traffic Controller for Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, TX. While in the Air Force, Robert decided he wanted to try his hand in another sport. Some may not consider it a sport, but he didn’t care; he wanted to try bowling. He was a semi-pro bowler generating numerous perfect 300 games along with many other accolades.

Robert was a hardworking man and decided to get a job with the State of Texas. He spent another 20 years with the State before retiring in 2003.

Robert lives on through his wife Adele, children Lisa & Erik Harrison, Steve & Summer Lopez and Jeff & Vanessa Lopez along with his grandkids: Robert, Sadie, Viviana, Natalie, Nathaniel and Phillip. He’ll be known for his hard work ethic and the deep love he had for his family.

A memorial service for Robert will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023 beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the Mausoleum Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Lopez family.