Manny “Manolo” Lopez, a proud Spaniard, dedicated family man, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend died peacefully March 3, 2024.
Manuel, Manny, as most of us knew him, was born on May 17, 1942, in San Juan Del La Mata, San Juan, Spain to Ricardo Lopez and Alida Barrio. Manny, who loved and missed his life in Spain, would frequently recount the stories of his hometown and his childhood.
When he was 20 years old, he immigrated to the US where he worked as a sheepherder from Flagstaff to Phoenix. It is in Phoenix where he met his wife, Teresa. After hurting his back from working in construction, Manny’s Tio Frank got him a job as a clerk at Utotem convenience store. He didn’t stay a clerk for long before he was promoted to manager. After Circle K bought out Utotem, Manny was approved, and he purchased his own 7-11 franchise on 24th Street and McDowell. Ten years later he purchased another 7-11 franchise on 24th Street & Thomas. When Manny retired in 2012, he was honored by 7-11 for demonstrating excellence as a franchise owner. With earning his citizenship in 1970, his achievements professionally, and his ability to amply provide for his family, Manny was the epitome of the American Dream.
His superior work ethic was matched by his devotion to his family. He loved playing cards with his relatives, spending time with his grandkids, his cochinos, spoiling them with a $20 bill every time he saw them. He was an avid Phoenix Suns fan and enjoyed watching the games with his two sons. He also liked the Arizona Cardinals, especially the rivalry he shared with his wife, a huge 49ers fan. When the Cardinals played the 49ers, Teresa and he jabbed at each other during the game.
Manny is survived by his sister Pilar Franco; his daughter Ana Quihuis (Steve); sons, Manuel “Lito” Lopez (Melissa), Johnny Leandro Lopez, grandchildren Zeana, Olivia, and Connor, along with his nieces, nephews and numerous cousins in the US and Spain.
A humble, proud and generous man, he made sure all he cherished were taken care of, supported, and loved unconditionally. Manny greeted everyone with a smile and extraordinary kindness. We are all deeply saddened with this loss but are comforted knowing that he is with his love, Teresa. Nosotros te amamos papa. And we know you are responding, “Me too!”
Funeral Mass for Manuel Lopez will be held on Tuesday, March 12th at 10AM following a 9:30AM Rosary recitation at St. Agnes Catholic Church at 1954 N. 24th St., Phoenix, AZ 85008. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008 at 11AM.