Tommy Lopez

Tommy C. Lopez, age 65 passed away on January 2, 2022, at Christus St. Vincent hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Tommy was born on July 18, 1956, at the family home in Vaughn, New Mexico. His parents the late Rumaldo S. Lopez and Ines Serrano raised him in Vaughn, where he attended school. Tommy worked at the Truck Stop of America (TA) in Santa Rosa, where he was a Diesel Mechanic for 15+years. He also worked at Grease Monkey in Clovis, New Mexico. He later moved back to Vaughn permanently, where he assisted his parents with day-to-day activities. Tommy is remembered by his family as a generous man with a big heart. He loved his family very much. Family gatherings weren’t complete until he’d show up wearing his sunglasses, regardless of the time of day, and give everyone knuckles to say hello. He was quiet by nature, but once he spoke, he’d make everyone laugh with his crazy antics. His sensor of humor was priceless. He’d say something funny accompanied with some type of gesture, then give a crocked smile to everyone as he’d walk away laughing at his own joke. Tommy spent his time watching WWE Wrestling on t.v., reading the newspaper, collecting music of all types and whistling like no one’s business. If you heard a whistle, you could be sure Tommy was around. When Tommy’s father, Rumaldo was alive, he enjoyed working alongside of him and helping maintain the yard. They’d gather wood together and maintenance the family vehicles. Tommy’s forte was detailing vehicles. Basic maintenance on a vehicle wasn’t enough, it had to shine. If you ever showed up to his house in a vehicle that didn’t have a clean exterior, he’d quickly connect the water hose while you were inside the house visiting his parents. He’d get his car washing glove and automotive soap to make your vehicle shine. He loved seeing how appreciative people were when they’d walk out the house and see how he had restored their vehicle to it’s nice, clean, and shiny state. Tommy’s favorite past time was listening to music and sitting in the porch in the summertime with his beloved mother. He’d turn the radio volume on high, use the makeshift hanger antenna he made to tune in his favorite jams, grab a cold one and sing along with the radio. He enjoyed the little things in life and didn’t ask for anything in return. He was one of a kind. He is preceded in death by his father; Rumaldo S. Lopez, his paternal grandfather and grandmother Valentin Sr. and Teresita Lopez, his brother Albert Lopez, and his sisters Odelia Lopez and Helen Lopez-Sisneros, Aunt Amelia Madril, Uncle Valentin Jr. Lopez, and Sister-in-law Celestina (Tina) Griego. Survivors include his mother Ines Lopez of Vaughn, sister Christina Lopez of Clovis, sister Rosella Lopez of Vaughn and partner Roberto Marez of Encino, sister Jane Sanchez and brother in-law Richard Sanchez of Clovis, brother-in-law Andy Sisneros of Vaughn, nieces Angela Sisneros-Padilla, Maria Padilla, Amor Padilla, Dayna Griego, Alyssa Lopez, Jasmin Baca, and Lisa Padilla, all of Albuquerque, nieces Latricia Sanchez, Hannah Garcia, Sunni Lopez, and Sabrina Gonzales of Clovis, nieces Janice Ulibarri and Cassandra Serna of Vaughn, Nephews Lawrence Jr. Padilla, Jonathan Padilla of Albuquerque, Albert Joseph Lopez, Ricky Sanchez, Aimon Juarez, and Abel Garcia of Clovis. Also surviving are his uncles and aunts, Lupe and Linda Lopez, Horacio and Patsy Lopez, Daniel and Jeanette Lopez, Martha Archibeque, Maria Lopez, Joann Chavez and Rita Madril as well as a host of cousins and friends. Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vaughn and will be officiated by Father Timothy Meurer. Burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Vaughn, followed by a meal at the Vaughn Community Center. Serving as Urn Bearers are brother in-laws; Andy Sisneros, Richard Sanchez, and Roberto Marez, nephews; Abel Garcia, Ricky Sanchez, Albert Joseph Lopez, Lawrence Jr. Padilla, Jonathan Padilla and Aimon Juarez. All services are under the direction the Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online condolence or tribute, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.