Lopez, Freddie Joseph
Freddie Joseph Lopez, age 69, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away July 29, 2017 surrounded by his loved ones.
Freddie is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dianne K. Lopez; six children, Freddie Lopez Jr. and wife Debbie, June Lindsey, Charmaine Lopez and fiancee Brian Nguyen, Joseph J. Lopez and fiancee Michelle Padilla, Samuel Lopez, Daniel Lopez; five sisters and four brothers, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. All of who loved him dearly.
Freddie was born January 15, 1948, and graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1967. Shortly after graduation, Freddie was drafted and served as an SP4 infantry soldier in U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where his deployment included areas of fierce combat to include the "Iron Triangle," Loch Nin, and along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Freddie was injured during combat, but refused to leave without his fellow soldiers. For his heroics, valor, and bravery, Freddie received numerous military honors to include the Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and an Air Metal. Freddie lost many service friends and carried their memories throughout his life, especially that of his best friend Victor Lopez.
Upon his return from Vietnam, Freddie married the love of his life, Dianne. Together, they raised six beautiful and loving children. Their beginnings were humble, but their home was always filled with love, support, and adoration. Freddie always provided for his family working as a master plasterer. He took pride in his work, putting skill, effort, and care into each project no matter how big or small.
In his spare time, you could find Freddie running along the Bosque, or sharpening his boxing skills at the Jack Candelaria Community Center in San Jose where he enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships he forged. A devout Catholic and servant of God, Freddie spent Saturdays as an usher at Holy Family Church in the South Valley.
In 2010, Freddie fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Graceland, the home of his favorite artist Elvis Presley. Freddie was recognized throughout the South Valley Community for his kind and compassionate heart, often helping those less fortunate. A lover of animals, neighborhood pets could be found at his gate waiting for a treat.
Freddie was a true patriarch of his family, and his friends, family, relatives, and all those he touched will miss him dearly. Freddie was preceded in death by his parents Joe G. and Eleanor Lopez, and brother Charlie Lopez.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 3, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 562 Atrisco Drive SW, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A final visitation will be on Friday, August 4, 2017 from 10:30 a .m. with a Mass of Catholic burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Freddie Lopez Jr., Joseph J. Lopez, Samuel Lopez, Daniel Lopez, Freddie J. Lopez III, Elijah Lane. Honorary Pallbearers will be Josiah Lane, Dominic Lopez, Noah Lopez, Eisaum Lindsey.