Rodolfo T. Lopez, of York Valley, passed into eternity on May 28, 2019, in Tucson at the Veteran’s Hospital at the age of 88. He was born Dec. 1, 1930, in Clifton, to Julian and Manuela Trillo Lopez, with siblings, Carmen, Marie, Ermenia, Manuel, Cecilia, Julian, Dora, Edward, and Joe.
He attended schools in Clifton until he entered the United States Army in 1948. Rodolfo was honorably discharged in 1952, holding the rank of Corporal. He married his first wife, Guadelupe, and together they had six children. He began working for the Phelps Dodge Mine, where he spent many years working as a haul truck driver and supporting his family before retiring. After years of Guadelupes’ passing, he married Joanie in 1995 in Duncan. The couple joined their families together, making a total of 13 children; Richard, Paul, Rebecca, Robert, Mary Helen, Elaine, John, Jeff, Bill, Teresa, Angie, Richie, and Debra.
Rodolfo loved the outdoors, gardening, and camping and truly loved all grand/great babies. He was known for his stories but was also a very reserved person, keeping to himself most of the time. Rodolfo loved animals and had many pets over the years. He was very devoted to his Catholic religion by being a CCD teacher and Crusistas.
He is survived by his children, Robert C. (Olga) Lopez, Mary Helen Hamilton, Elaine C. Lopez, John C. (Stephanie) Lopez, Jeff Stergion, Bill Stergion, Teresa Stergion, Angie Smith, and Richie Stergion; 32 grandchildren and many, many, great-grandchildren.
Rodolfo is preceded in death by Guadelupe C. Lopez and Patricia “Joanie” Lopez, Marie Lozano, Ermenia Valdez, Debra Stergion, Rebecca Johnson, Paul Lopez, and Richard Lopez.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 9 a.m., followed by the Recitation of the Rosary at 10 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. being held at the St. Mary’s Parish in Duncan. Interment will be in the Duncan Cemetery following services.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
