Zeferino Lopez

CLEMENCEAU- Zeferino Lopez, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, passed away on June 5, 2024 at the age of 91. Zeferino Jr. was born in Clemenceau, Arizona on May 4, 1933. He recently resided in Brea, California after spending many years in Granada Hills and Murietta, California. He was predeceased by his mother Virginia Lopez and father Zeferino Lopez, Sr.

He was raised with his 7 siblings in Jerome and attended Jerome High School graduating in 1952. He lettered for 4 years on the “Muckers” football and basketball teams. After high school he enlisted in the Navy and after his basic training he married Judith Ann Johnson from Prescott Arizona. Zef served in the Navy for 4 years and spent 2 years assigned to the USS Randolph aircraft carrier as an aircraft mechanic and flight operations crew serving in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. After discharge he worked at Bendix West Coast Corp and then served a Supervisor of the Consumer Electronics Fraud Investigation Division. Various electronics shop owners were said to tremble when “Zef” Lopez walked into their business.

Zeferino was also known for his community leadership serving on the Latin American Civic Association Board (LACA) in the 60’s when the group was first initiating the Head Start Program for underrepresented children in the Los Angeles area. He proudly worked with the Board members to develop and bring to life this important program. He was also appointed by President Richard Nixon to serve on the US Selective Service Board given the concerns that men of color were being sent to Vietnam in greater numbers. In that turbulent time, and in the face of personal threats and many general threats to the Board he carried out his duty for 4 years.

In his free time he enjoyed fishing and snow skiing. His children often said, “he could fix or build anything,” including cars, stereos, TVs, radios, lawnmowers, and most household electric and plumbing repairs. Every tool had its place in the garage where he was often found at his work bench.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn Blossom, his children, Theresa Lopez Fox, Tamara Lopez, Tracy Lopez Smith and Timothy Lopez, his sister Helen Lopez Allen, step-daughters Kenni and Paige Blossom, 13 grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his six siblings Macario Lopez, Ernesto Lopez, Agnes Lopez Dela Rosa, Rachel Lopez Mecham, Sylvia Lopez Young and Elio Lopez.

A memorial service for Zeferino will be held Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Montecito's Cypress Chapel, 24145 Barton Road, Loma Linda, CA 92354, followed by a Graveside Ceremony for niche placement in Whispering Pines Cremation Garden from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM.