Jose H. Lopez

Jose Heriberto Lopez Orozco was born on March 13, 1919 in Uriangato, Guanajuato Mexico to Maria Trinidad Orozco and Jose Lopez Martinez. He was the youngest son of nine children (Antonio, Marcos, Manuel, Rosita, Maria, Maximiliano, Gracia, Luz). Jose grew up in his Grandfather’s Hacienda “Las Cruces”, Guanajuato. They later moved to Yuriria, Guanajuato Mexico.

In 1936, at the age of 17, Jose came to the United States under contract with a private company where he worked in Modesto, California and traveled to Texas, Louisiana, Virginia, and Maryland. In 1943-44 his brother brought him to Chicago, Illinois where he began working for the Belt Railroad Company. He worked for the Railroad for 45 years as a Foreman, until his retirement in 1988. He served as the President of the Railroad Association for a term. He was also on the Committee of the Club de Guanajuatenses.

In January, 1955 he married Maria Varela in Yuriria, Guanajuato Mexico after a five year courtship. They moved permanently to Chicago, Illinois. Jose had two children, Jose Javier Lopez and Martha Laura Lopez who were his pride and joy. Every Sunday, after church he would take his family to museums, parks, and civic functions. Jose had two grandchildren Daniel Jose Lopez and Lydia Sonia Lopez to whom he was devoted.

He loved horticulture and civic activities. His garden was the envy of the neighborhood, filled with a variety of Roses and Rhododendruns and his garden produced enough vegetables to share with his neighbors and friends the entire summer.

The legacy he leaves behind is his love for his community. He taught his children to have pride in their heritage, community, and help those in need. We will never forget his ever-present Oldsmobile that always transported kids, meals, and literature to neighborhood events. He was full of pride that his two children followed in his footsteps¸ and hopefully his grandchildren as well.

In 2005, Jose and Maria celebrated with family and friends, their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They were married almost 57 years. Sadly, Jose left this earth on December, 19, 2011, but before he left, he blessed his family and his last words on earth were…”Maria, I love you.” We will truly miss a wonderful son, husband, father, and grandfather (affectionately known as Buelo).

One of nature's true gentlemen, the world is a sadder place without him and his wit and humor.

Visitation: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at Funeraria del Angel Sagrado Corazon, Chicago, Illinois 60632 from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Services: Thursday, December 22, 2011, Christian Burial Mass - Celebration of Life, 10:00 a.m. at Providence of God Catholic Church, 717 West 18th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616. Interment Mount Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery, Stickney, Illinois.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria del Angel Sagrado Corazon, Chicago, Illinois. Concepción Rodriguez, Funeral Director.