Jose "Joe" Telesfor Lopez

Joe was born in Letimar, New Mexico on June 1, 1929. He was the eldest of four children born to Leondro and Casimira Lopez. He grew up in New Mexico and graduated from Belen High School in 1947. Joe came out to Los Angeles, California several years later. In 1951 he entered and served for several years in the Air Force as an Air National Guard stationed out of Long Beach. Soon after, Joe married Katie Ortega, and they were blessed with four children. In 1963, Joe followed his dream of becoming a private pilot and flew out of Long Beach on weekends for nearly 15 years. As a career, Joe was a Union electrician. He loved his job and was proud of the projects he worked on. He would, on occasion, show off his electrical work by taking his family on tours of some of his work sites. He retired at the age of 62. After that, one could find him on many weekends on the golf course with his friend Nick and friends.

Joe remarried in 1974. His bride was Catherine Waddick, and they remained happily married until his passing. Cathy and Joe had many adventures together, traveled the world, had great times, and met wonderful people along the way.

Joe was a great source of entertainment. He could enthrall you with a great story that would ultimately end up being a joke. He could fool you every time. His only give away was a certain twinkle in his eye. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him knew that he was someone very special. He had a big heart, a strong sense of right and wrong, and a million dollar smile. Joe loved and always supported his family. He was a devoted husband, an incredible father, and a loving grandfather. His life was well lived. His family and friends love him dearly, and although he will be greatly missed, his wonderful memory will sustain us until we all meet again. Until then, may he rest in peace and rise in glory.