Josue L. Lopez
Josue L. Lopez,
86, a resident of Peñasco passed away on Thursday September
13 2018. He lived an incredible and faithful life. This very intelligent man was able to wear many hats. Josue passed away after a short battle with Esophageal Cancer, peacefully with loving family by his side. Mr. Lopez or “Coach” as many called him, was a public-school teacher for 15 years where he coached his favorite basketball and baseball for elementary, middle and high school. He was a Scout Master for 7 years and was involved in the process of sending young to “Boys State”. He was an American Legion Commander.
Board of Director for Taos County School Credit Union, Saint Anthony School in Penasco (President). He was a Penasco Fire Dept. Volunteer and Fire Chief for 45 years.
He was a Catechism Teacher for 7 years. Lector for 30 years (English and Spanish) Served as Mayordomo for St. Anthony’s Church in Penasco and served in Holy Name Society for 5 years (Men only group) Crusillista. He was in the Advisory Board for Kit Carson Coop. Taos NM. Josue stepped down from teaching and coaching to become Penasco Postmaster till his retirement of 37 years.
His passion was reading The Holy Bible, stories of New Mexico, the newspaper (s), Time and Geographic magazines and enjoyed the puzzles and crosswords they provided. He also loved to read short stories of hunting, fishing, war, and especially the “Angels on Earth” series booklets.
Josue also served in the Marines during Korean War, was shipped overseas, worked delivering mail to his comrades aboard ship on three different tours to the Mediterranean, Labrador and Puerto Rico.
Josue is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 64 years Manuelita Lopez, daughter Shirley Anglada (Albert), sons- Leland Lopez (Michelle), Joshua Lopez. Brothers- Freddie, Nick and Leandro Jr. Sister- Sandra Candelario. Grandchildren- Angel, April, Rochelle, Arlene, Jerome, Justin, Ashley, Jasmine, Great Grand children-Brittany, Taylor, Alaska, Lorenz, Romeo, Giovani, Everly, Trinity, Devante, Kal-El and Kara. And many loving nieces and nephews and close nephew Ray Rodarte. A rosary will be recited on Tuesday September 18, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the San Antonio de Padua Catholic church in Peñasco, a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Comida will be held following the mass at Shirley and Alberts home. Burial will be held on Wednesday September 19, 2018 at 1:30 p. m. at the Santa Fe National cemetery. Serving the family as pallbearers are Frank Lopez, Lorenz Ortega, Martin Visarraga, Jerome Lopez, Justin Lopez and Ray Rodarte. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral home of the Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477