Jose Rosario "Ross" Lopez Jr.

Jose Rosario "Ross" Lopez, Jr., 78, a lifelong resident of El Rito, NM, passed away suddenly on January 2, 2025, at his home. Beloved son, brother, and Uncle, "Ross" was born on August 18, 1946, to Jose Rosario Lopez and Escolastica "Cora" Lopez (Vigil).

One of the first graduates of the newly established Paint & Auto Body Program at the then New Mexico Technical Vocational Institute in El Rito, Ross turned this education into a career, working for various auto body shops in Espanola and Los Alamos. He pursued his passion for restoring classic cars during his off time, working on his own car collection and won several 1st and 2nd place trophies in local and regional competitions.

Through his love of restoration, he developed lifelong friendships working alongside and teaching others how to restore their classics. A devoted and loving man, Ross helped care for his elderly mother during the last years of her life, helping her to reach the age of 95 before her passing. His calm nature was the embodiment of his life’s motto, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. That big heart and well-known sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Loyola Lola Lopez Vigil and Susie Naranjo, and beloved nephew Ronald Naranjo. 

He is survived by his brothers Roman (Susie) Lopez and Andy R. Lopez, sisters Delia Trujillo, Dorain (Rudy) Maestas, Marbella (Benny) Martinez, and Christine (Raymond) Trujillo, as well as many nieces and nephews.

 A viewing will be held at the San Juan Nepomuceno Catholic Church in El Rito, NM, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 9:30 am. A rosary will be recited at 10:00 am the same day with a funeral mass immediately following at 11:00 am. Burial will occur at the Placitas Cemetery in El Rito, NM.

Serving as pallbearers are good friends Peter Archuleta, Matthew Suazo, Jerry Martinez. Along with nephews Jose Martinez, Jerome Naranjo and Andres Lopez. 

Honorary pall bearers include Nicholas Herrera, Donald Alire, Charles Vasquez, Donald Martinez, and Bernie Archuleta.

The family of Jose Rosario “Ross” Lopez Jr. has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com