Larry Lopez

--Kalil Gabran

Our beloved father, brother, cousin, uncle, nephew, grandfather, and best friend, Larry M. Lopez, passed away April 12, 2011 unexpectedly. Larry was born in Santa Paula on November 14th, 1952 to the delight of the late Manuel Jack Lopez and Dora Gutierrez Lopez. His parents moved to Ventura in the 1950’s, where they settled and raised Larry and his sister, Irene Lopez. Larry grew up surrounded by family and friends where he developed and honed his keen storytelling traits.

Larry attended the local Ventura schools , E.P. Foster, Holy Cross, Cabrillo Junior High, and then graduated from Ventura High School in 1970. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Of Larry’s life-long hobbies, like camping, fishing, playing music, fixing cars, being a sports fan, it was people and telling stories that were his favorite. He was at his best when either helping another or at helping us to remember to laugh!

Larry became a skilled craftsman by spending many years in the construction fields of plumbing, tiling, building, and electrical work. He was also a passionate car enthusiast and very skilled in automotive repair.

Larry spent many years in San Diego where he continued his education by attending Grossmont Community College in studying computer technology, and worked at Mercy Hospital.

He leaves behind his three children, their spouses, and his two new grandchildren: his son, Ryan Lopez, Krista (wife) and their daughter, Tessa of San Diego; his daughter Molli Thomason, Jesse (husband), and their son Scotland of Ventura; and son, Joseph Peles of San Diego.

Larry also leaves behind his sister, Irene Lopez of Ventura, and his niece, Denise Gooding of Ventura, nephews Ronnie Lopez of Ventura, and Jack Lopez of Irvine, as well as his great-nephews and great-nieces, his aunts and uncles, his many cousins, and his life long friends.

Larry was preceded in death by both his mother and father, and his brother-in-law, David Lopez.

Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 25th, 2011, at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 26th, 2011, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 3175 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, with burial to follow at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo. Friends and family are invited to attend.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left TedMayrFuneralHome.com