Anthony Lopez

ANTHONY ?TONY? TORRES LOPEZ July 11th, 1962- May 11th, 2011 Tony was preceded in death by his mom Aurora Torres Lopez of El Rio, California. He survived by his beloved high school friend and wife Catherine, beloved daughters Mercedes, Angela, and Andrea; beloved grandsons Elijah and Michael; Mother-in-law Petrita; son-in-law Joshua; brother George Arellano and wife Lupe; sister Lynette Wendland and husband Jeff; brother Joseph Lopez and wife Sylvia; sister Laura Lopez; sister-in-law Geraldine and husband Roger; brother-in-law Michael Angelo and wife Teresa; brother-in-laws Robert and Lawrence; sons Vincent, Anthony, and Nicholas, daughter Ashley; father Jose Antonio and numerous nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Tony, age 48, passed away on May 11th, 2011 in Antioch, California. He was born July 11th, 1962 in Oxnard, California. He was the youngest of five children, a devoted husband, dad and grandpa, loyal brother and friend, and a proud veteran of the Marines. He enjoyed the relationship with his colleagues from ATK/ Gearhead Engines Inc. and Target Corporation. Tony was a dedicated sports fan and was blessed with athletic talent. He played Pop Warner Football for the Oxnard Chiefs, ?this little guy can hit!!!!?, his oldest brother George could remember the coaches saying. His brothers? childhood memories were the 3 on 3 basketball and street football games. He attended Rio Mesa High School in Oxnard, California where he participated in track and field and played football, he made his family proud, ?you better not come around his side of the field?, they said because he could hit hard. He was one of the best Outside Linebackers in Ventura County. Everything he did, he did with ease, and it all came naturally to him, his hobbies were Billiards, Darts, Ping Pong and Pool, playing Frisbee and BBQing. He loved spending time with his family, going off road riding his ATC, boating, camping, vacationing, and going to the movies. In February of 1980 Tony enlisted in the Marines, completing basic training in San Diego and a tour in Japan. He was definitely a proud Marine. Every time the Star Spangled Banner played, you could always see in his eyes how the song touched his heart. ?The Marines would go in and KILL the enemy and then EAT THE ARMY!?, Tony would always say and then start arguing with his brother Joe how the Marines are better than the Army. He was passionate about the Marines and devoted his whole life around it. Through the years Tony has touched the lives of many people. He was generous, kindhearted, and a natural people person. Everywhere Tony went he made a friend, especially with the ladies! Each person had their own unique relationship with him. But, the most notable thing about Tony was his humor. He loved to joke and he thrived on laughter. Tony enjoyed most when the people around him were having a good time. He always let his presence be known, often saying ?Mac Tone in the house!? and ?Tony T from Cincinnati!?, his brother Joe remembered. ?He always called us by different names?, his nephew George Jr. remembered, ?he was one of the kids not our UNCLE!!? Tony always had a nickname for everyone; he rarely called you by your real name. ?I remembered when he chased us around the block, over the fence, threw his house?, said his nephew Philip. Tony loved to horseplay with everyone. But, one thing about Tony is that he loved babies. He adored the purity of babies and cherished the time he had with his grandchildren. He truly was and will always be a ?Big Kid? at heart. Tony lived a full and fruitful life. He brought his family and friends abundant happiness. His life was much too short, and he will be greatly missed. Tony loved being a husband, dad, and grandpa; those roles gave his life meaning. He truly loved his family and everyone knew it. His love was unconditional. We were so very blessed to have had him in our lives; Tony will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family and selfless spirit. He was the glue that kept our family together and we will forever cherish our precious memories of him. He was a beautiful soul and truly a gift to us from God. But, we know he is in great hands now. He is with his mom, who he loved and missed deeply. He will be loved forever and missed greatly by all who knew him. We would like to thank all of our family, friends, and Tony?s colleagues that made every day of his life worth living, the medical team who gave great support, also acknowledge The American Transplant Donor Network in making it possible for Tony to contribute his donations that helped 50 people. We are forever thankful for the love you showed him. It fills our hearts with joy to know that Tony had all of you. Thank you so much for your loyalty.