Al O. Lopez, 100, was born September 6, 1926, in Visalia, California, and died October 20, 2026. He lived in Pico Rivera, California. From his earliest days—spent in Ludlow, California—Al’s life reflected the steady strength of a man who was deeply cherished, quietly wise, and faithful in the ways that matter most.
The youngest of seven children, Al was raised by a single mother. From that beginning, he carried forward a lifelong devotion to learning. He loved education and was exceptionally well read across many topics and general knowledge, a college graduate—a point of well-earned pride. In later years, that same disciplined curiosity never faded, and after retiring he went on to amass numerous college degrees, continuing to seek understanding with the same generous spirit he brought to every part of his life.
Al was a Veteran of World War II, with most of his service spent with occupation forces in Japan. The suffering he witnessed during wartime in Japan affected him profoundly, shaping a lasting empathy that expressed itself in genuine generosity—an openhandedness of heart that those who knew him recognized immediately.
He was married to the love of his life, Juliet Fernandez, for over 57 years. Their enduring marriage stood as a testament to steadfast devotion and the kind of faithfulness that anchors a family across generations.
A devout Catholic, Al found joy in lively discussions of Catholic theology, engaging with conviction and thoughtful care. He also spent time teaching religious education to 6th graders, who loved being in his class—drawn to the warmth of his presence and the calm wisdom he carried. His love for family was equally evident in the long letters he wrote to his grandchildren while they were in college, encouraging them and celebrating their growth. He was proud of all his children’s and grandchildren’s achievements in education, and he made that pride known in ways that were both sincere and enduring.
Al is survived by his daughters, Elaine Lopez Cassingham (Vaughn Cassingham) and Kathryn Lopez Donnelly (Brian Donnelly); grandchildren, Alison DeSchaine (Dennis DeSchaine), Andrea Galdamez (William Galdamez), Krista Cancienne, and Sean Donnelly; great-grandchildren, Shannon DeSchaine, Clayton DeSchaine, Emma Galdamez, and Belle Galdamez. Al leaves behind many loving Nieces and Nephews.
