Charles E. Lopez

Charles E. Lopez passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by hard work, devotion, humor, and a deep love for the simple joys that made each day meaningful.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Roy and Sally Silva, and his beloved dog Selena.

Charles is survived by his wife of 56 years, Theresa Lopez, daughter Charlotte Lopez (Mark Ficarro), as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and aunt Patsy Spoltore.

Charles retired from the City of Albuquerque in 1999 after working as a City Security Officer. 

Charles lived a life that reflected strength of character and an independent spirit. He was known by those who loved him as a man who could be funny when you least expected it, sarcastic in a way that often brought a smile, and stubborn in the way that only someone with a strong will and a clear sense of self can be. These qualities became part of the personality that family and friends cherished, because beneath them was a loyal heart and a steady presence that could always be counted on. 

One of Charles’s greatest accomplishments was building his own home, a reflection of his determination, skill, and pride in doing things his own way. That home became a place filled with warmth, character, and memories. Inside, his love of antique things gave the house a charm all its own, and many would say it looked much like a Cracker Barrel, filled with pieces that told stories and reminded everyone who entered that Charles appreciated history, tradition, and the beauty of well-loved things. 

Charles also found great enjoyment in the outdoors. He loved fishing and hunting, and these pastimes gave him peace, purpose, and many good memories over the years. Whether he was spending quiet time waiting for a bite or enjoying the satisfaction of a successful hunt, he valued the patience, skill, and connection to nature that these activities brought into his life. He understood the importance of time spent outdoors and treasured those moments deeply. 

Music was another source of comfort and enjoyment for Charles, especially classic country music. The songs he loved carried the spirit of the life he lived, with stories of hard work, love, loss, and perseverance. Those tunes were part of the rhythm of his days and added to the atmosphere of the home and life he created. He also had a special appreciation for good food, and one of his favorite meals was shrimp scampi, a dish he enjoyed with the kind of genuine enthusiasm that made even simple meals memorable. 

Above all, Charles was devoted to the love of his life, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Their long and faithful union stood as a beautiful example of commitment, companionship, and enduring love. Through the years, they built a life together that was grounded in shared experiences, mutual respect, and the kind of bond that grows stronger with time. His marriage was one of the greatest blessings of his life, and it remained at the center of everything that mattered most to him. 

Those who knew Charles will remember a man who lived honestly and fully, with a personality that was unmistakably his own. He had a way of making an impression, not because he sought attention, but because he was real, direct, and unafraid to be himself. His stubbornness was often part of his charm, and his humor brought light to many moments. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, devotion, and individuality that will not soon be forgotten. 

Charles E. Lopez will be remembered with love and respect by all whose lives he touched. His memory will live on in the stories shared by those who knew him, in the home he built, in the traditions he enjoyed, and in the lasting example of a life lived with character and heart.

Charles’ Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00am at Reflections Chapel located at 2400 Washington St. NE, 87110. He will then be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery located at 924 Menaul Blvd NE, 87107.