He was born on October 25, 1953 in Manila, Philippines and moved to Michigan shortly after where he attended grade school and earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Michigan State University. He pursued his medical education at University of Santo Tomas in Manila, completed his residency at Wayne State University’s Family Practice program, and met his wife, Emily, shortly after. During his career as a physician, he was asked to return to his Alma Mater as a Professor in medicine. Through hard work and resilience, he opened his own practice, served as Medical Director in various hospitals, and provided comfort to patients and families through hospice care.
His love for helping others was a passion of his but above all he made time for family. Whether it was hosting a family lunch every week or a family reunion every year, the importance of family was instilled into everyone who knew him. Patients and friends can attest that the love, kindness, and selfless acts from Dr. Lopez made them feel like family. When not taking care of others or spending time with family, you would find him relaxing, watching action movies, and eating his favorite ice cream. He also enjoyed golfing, skiing, tennis, playing “La Bamba” on the guitar, playing congo drums, and dancing with his wife or whoever could keep up. His bright spirit brought happiness to every person he came across and it is that joy and love that he will be remembered for.
He is survived by:
• Wife of 33 years: Emelinda Lopez
• Children: Michael (32), Joseph (30), Jonathan (28), and Monica (27)
• Parents: Enrique “Henry” Lopez Jr. and Fe Lopez
• Sister and Family: Lyn and Reg Stuart (Nicholas, Christopher)
• Sister and Family: Teri and Manny Javier (Robert, Michaela)
• Sister and Family: Cecille and Greg Glatz (Chasen)
• Sister-in-Law and Family: Nellie and Mike Akin (Travis)
• Sister-in-Law and Family: Debbie Gallardo (Bea, Ralph)
• Brother-in-Law and Family: Dennis and Grace Gallardo (Denise)
• GrandDogs: Maya (10), Bane (6), Mosey (4)
Funeral service will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church at 12 noon on February 12, 2021. Visitation will be held 2 hours prior at St. Thomas Aquinas Church at 10 am on February 12, 2021. Social distancing and masks will be required for all in attendance. For those who cannot attend, a link for a virtual livestream of the service is on this page.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be sent to:
• National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, a nonprofit organization focusing on increasing education and awareness of infectious diseases, including Covid-19, to both the public and medical professionals: https://www.nfid.org or NFID, 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 750, Bethesda, MD 20814 • St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church: www.elcatholics.org or STA, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823.
Recorded video of service: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRObkxvpT1g
DONACIONES
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 750, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Saint Thomas Aqunias Catholic Church955 Alton Street, East Lansing, Michigan 48823
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.6