Mario Lopez

Mario Estaban Lopez, 33, of Thatcher, passed away Friday, August 2, 2013. He was born July 16, 1980, along with his twin sister Carmen, to Minnie and Enrique Lopez in Tucson, Arizona. Mario grew up with 11 siblings; 7 sisters and 4 brothers. Mario attended and graduated from Thatcher High School. During his adolescent years he spent his time playing baseball and wrestling. In the off season of high school sports there were many stories of Mario going to the Thatcher Park to Break Sance, which he was very good at, with his friend, Mino Delgado. Mario traveled to the Tucson and Phoenix areas for Break Dancing competitions. After his high school years Mario fell in love with a beautiful young lady, Leslie, and they were later blessed with 4 beautiful girls. Mario worked in retail for many years. In 2004 he went to work for Phelps Dodge where he worked with his 2 older brothers and a brother-in-law as a haul truck driver. Mario loved to hang out with his family and spend time at any pond of water he could find to fish, even if there were no fish. Mario also loved music and according to some he was a movie buff. In 2005, Mario met Stephanie and they were later blessed with another beautiful baby girl. In 2006 he began working as a journeyman mechanic and an overhead crane operator. Mario took great pride in everything he did. Mario is survived by his daughters, Diondrea, Jaylyn, Abriana, Mari, and Devin; his parents Enrique (Olga) Lopez and Minnie Lopez, sisters; Evelyn (Martin) Burrola, Jenny (Peter) Avalos, Ramona (Alfonso) Alvarado, Shelly (JR) Brunson, Bertha Lopez Carmen Lopez, brothers; Rick (Rhonda) Lopez, Carlos (Jennifer) Lopez, Juan (Britannia) Lopez and Javier (Charlene) Lopez. He is preceded in death by a sister, Rachael Lopez, and grandparents Rosendo & Ramona Casillas and Ernesto & Juaquina Lopez. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. A viewing will also be conducted on Wednesday August 7, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Caldwell Funeral Chapel. Mass of a Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Robert Rodriguez as officiant. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery.