Gilbert Lopez

Gilbert Lopez passed away peacefully on August 3, 2021 at his home in Corrales, NM at the age of 98.

Gilbert is survived by his sons, Ronald Lopez and Patrick Lopez; daughters, Loretta Perez and husband, Carlos Perez, and Joyce Lesperance and husband, Joseph Lesperance; many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Perfecto Lopez and Anita Gonzales Lopez; sister, Epifania Rumelia Lopez; sister, Josephine Rose; brother, Juan Cristobal. Lopez; and brother, Orlando Lopez.

Gilbert was born on February 10, 1923 in Corrales, NM to Perfecto Lopez and Anita Gonzales Lopez. He attended Albuquerque High School and graduated in 1941. The GI Bill assisted him to attend and graduate  from the University of New Mexico in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He worked at the Bureau of Indian Affairs for many years retiring in 1980.  His children remember him as a loving and caring father who was always there for them.

Gilbert is a veteran of WWII. Gilbert enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in August 19, 1942 as an Apprentice Seaman and discharged as an Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class. Gilbert’s experience in the Coast Guard helped him discover his passion for electrical engineering. For his service, he earned a WWII Victory Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations Ribbon 1 star, American Theater of Operations ribbon, and Good Conduct Ribbon. He served in the Coast Guard for 3½ years until the end of the war.

Gilbert had his own business, Lopez Electrical Engineering Construction Co. He loved deer and elk hunting, as well as, fly fishing. Gilbert was a generous individual who loved reading and was passionate about drawing and painting. He was an active and dedicated member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, Illuminating Engineers, the NM Society of Professional Engineers, and a registered Engineer in NM (#1806). He had volunteered as a member of the Planning and Zoning commission of the Village of Corrales for a two-year term in the late 90’s.  He will be dearly missed by all his friends and family.

A viewing will be on Friday August 20, 2021 at 9:00 A.M. with the Celebration of Gilbert's life following at 10 A.M.at the Daniels Family Funeral Services-Southern Chapel 2400 Southern Blvd. Rio Rancho NM. Interment to follow at the San Ysidro Church Cemetery.