Jose Coronado Lopez

82nd Airborne Paratrooper Jose Coronado Lopez jumped out of this world on August 30, 2025.

Born in 1943, while his father Jose Sr. served this country during World War II, Joe was raised by his devoted mother Frances, his grandparents and aunts. After his father returned from the war, his three siblings were born: Rudy, Dean and Terri. As a teenager Joe worked hard picking watermelon, cotton and tomatoes with his family. Ever the optimist, he recalled that time as "the good ol' days" because he worked alongside his cousins.At Phoenix Union High School, Joe earned his letterman's jacket for his outstanding wrestling and football skills. He was handsome and charismatic, and the ladies loved him.

Joe proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, and was an Army Combat Ranger, continuing his family's long heritage of United States military service, including that of his younger brother Rudy, a Vietnam Veteran. Joe fiercely believed in democracy, justice and equality for all; and knew until the day he died, that Freedom Isn't Free.

The best decision Joe ever made was to marry Nadine in 1968. Together they lovingly raised four children: Christi, Denise, Joe Gabe and Sylvia. Although he credited Nadine as the intelligent one; Joe was street smart and adventurous. He taught his kids how to pitch a tent and start a campfire. He showed them and their children (plus countless nieces and nephews) how to put just enough Velveeta on a fishing hook, to outsmart the trout he loved to eat. He took his kids on motorcycle rides, taught them how to roller skate, ride bikes and say, "Thank you for your service," to those in uniform. He listened to Hank Williams so often that his kids still know all the words. He was the original MacGyver and could fix anything with some wire and string.

Joe was a dedicated plant manager of Verco Manufacturing and retired after 40 years, thankful for the opportunities he was given. He loved to travel and flew all over the U.S., enjoying clam chowder in San Francisco, hot dogs in Chicago and pizza in NYC. He continued traveling the world into his 70s, visiting Italy, Spain, France, the UK, the Rock of Gibraltar and the northern ports of the African continent. Yet his favorite place on Earth was his own backyard, where you could find him enjoying a cup of coffee and a bowl of menudo or homemade tamales. He loved nature, and happily ate the tomatoes, lettuce and strawberries he grew. He spent time in his backyard every day, nurturing his plants and singing along to Willie Nelson, Rod Stewart, Frank Sinatra and all the 1950s and 1960s classics.

Many called Joe the most interesting man in the world because he lived such an incredible life; but Joe was actually the Most Grateful Man in the World. He met each morning with deep gratitude for the long life he'd been given, for his family and friends, his country, his Verco family, and his children. Above all, Joe felt truly blessed to be Grandpa to Micaela, Dominique, Maiya, Eliana, Xavier and Isiah. He loved watching them grow up and excel in volleyball, wrestling and theater.

We all know Joe loved a good party, so let's have one more party for Joe on October 17th at St. Mary's Basilica.

Wear Red, White and Blue! Bring a story to share, as we smile and laugh together, and toast a life well-lived!

SERVICE INFORMATION: Friday - October 17, 2025

Celebration Mass - 10 a.m.

St. Mary's Basilica – 231 North 3rd Street

(Ramps on both the east & west side of the church)

Bagpipes - 11:15 a.m.

Reception - 11:30 a.m. in the church Basement Hall (Lunch will be provided; Ramp entrance through Gift Shop)

Parking garage: South of Van Buren on West side of 5th Street

Saturday - November 1, 2025

Memorial Service with Honor Guard - 12 p.m.

Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary - 200 West Beardsley Road

Catered Reception to follow at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Legion Post 41. https://www.legionpost41.org/home