Raul Pedro Lopez

In Memory of Raul Pedro Lopez

Raul Pedro “Rudy” Lopez passed on June 4th 2026, at the age of 65. Raul was born in Pontiac, Michigan to Benigno and Enriqueta Lopez. Raul went to Pontiac Central High School before joining the Navy to further his education. 

Raul lived a life defined by simplicity, genuine kindness, and an insurmountable capacity for love. A man who embodied the word "selfless," Rudy possessed a big heart and was always ready to help others, never expecting anything in return. He had a natural gift for making everyone around him feel happy simply by being in his presence, usually with a joke at the ready to lighten any mood. A man of distinct tastes, Rudy found his greatest happiness in the modest pleasures of life: a couple of cold beers, a pack of smokes, and a ballgame playing while he listened to his favorite music through his headphones. He was a dedicated fan of the Boston Celtics and the Boston Red Sox, and his taste in music was as wide as it was passionate. Whether he was listening to the legendary sounds of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath, or the melodic harmonies of Cat Stevens and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, music was a constant companion. Though he would never have called himself a chef, Rudy was a truly great cook who could coax incredible flavors out of the simplest recipes. His creativity extended far beyond the kitchen; he was a superb artist who could draw anything in any style, though he held a particular love for medieval themes. He was easily recognized by his signature look—long hair kept for most of his life and never appearing in public without one of his beloved ball caps, which he affectionately called his “wig.” At home, he enjoyed unwinding with a rotation of classic television shows, including *The Andy Griffith Show*, *Leave it to Beaver*, *Cheers*, and his absolute favorite, *M*A*S*H*.Rudy lived a simple life, always making the best of what he had. 

Raul is preceded in death by his parents, and his two brothers, Raymond Lopez and Pablo Lopez. Raul leaves behind his sons, Raul P. Lopez II and Jeremy Lopez; his siblings, Rita (Selwyn) McGhee, Sister-in-law Sandy Lopez, Jesus (Vicki) Lopez, David Lopez, Maria Lopez, Leonard (Angie) Lopez, Lucia Lopez, Juan Lopez, Norma (Tim) Brinker, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be dearly missed.

 A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI 48442