Hernandez Samuel Lopez

Hernandez “Sam” Lopez, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. Sam was born to Fidel and Escolastica (LaLa) Lopez on April 26, 1934, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sam was the oldest of six siblings and grew up close to his Tia’s, Tio’s and cousins who lived in Nambe.

Sam graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1954 and left to serve in the United States Air Force before this graduation date. He was stationed in Denver, Co, Sacramento, CA and spend two years overseas in Japan serving as a camera repairman.

After returning from the service, Sam became reacquainted with his neighbor Irene who lived across the arroyo in Cerro Gordo. Sam and Irene married on December 20, 1960. They lived for a short time in Santa Fe and Los Alamos and finally settled in Espanola where they raised four children.

Sam worked as a carpenter in Los Alamos for 32 years for Zia and JCI. He was a man of faith and very proud of his heritage and his upbringing. He had fond memories of growing up with his family and living in Santa Fe and Nambe and would often talk about the old times and how great his childhood was. He was also very proud of the family he and Irene raised. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his stories and how he could strike up a conversation with anyone.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents Fidel and Escolastica Lopez, brothers Pedro (Andy), Rudolpho (Rudy), Belarmino (Billy) Lopez and infant sister Eliadora Lopez. Wife, Irene Lopez, and son Victor Lopez. Grandsons; Andrew and Angelo Lopez and Adrian Romero. In laws, Fidel Martinez and Antiona Martinez. Sisters-in-law, Margie Martinez and Linda Cordova and brother-in-law Nelson Cordova.

Sam is survived by his children: Ronald Lopez & wife Sandra, Gerald Lopez and wife Margaret and Barbara Romero and husband Gilbert. Daughter-in-law Lucia Lopez. Grandsons; Matthew, Mark and James Lopez and David Romero. Granddaughters; Ashley and Alandra Lopez. Brother, Dale Lopez, and companion Debbie Meyer. Seven great grandchildren: Jacob, Miranda, Kamryn, Jessie, Aly, Jacob, and Mario. His special cousin, Gilbert Garduno, who he considered his brother. Sisters-in-law; Patricia, Consuelo and Valree Lopez and Cathy Richarson.

A special “Thank you” to Stella Valdez for being his caregiver and a good friend during the last years of his life. Also, his daughter-in-law Margaret and granddaughter Alandra who helped take care of him. Thank you to Alice Lucero and Jacqueline Martinez for bringing the host to our dad every weekend and praying with him, and to Presbyterian Hospice, nurses; Lillianna, Cha Cha and Cindy, for taking care of our dad and their support.

Rosary will be held at DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 6:00 pm.  Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada. Followed by burial at 2:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. 

Honorary pallbearers are Sam’s children and grandchildren.

The family of Hernandez Lopez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477