Joshua Abraham Lopez

Joshua Abraham Lopez, age 50, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 22nd, 2019, in his home. He was born on March 25th, 1969, in Los Gatos, California. He was the second of five children and a wonderful student. In his spare time, he loved to race dirt bikes and go fishing. He also played football and wrestling in high school and won several arm wrestling trophies.
Josh met his wife, Maria Jessie Sabala Lopez, on Christmas day in 1989, and they were married on November 26th, 1993. He died just four days before their 26th wedding anniversary.
He also lovingly took in her son, Carlos Constantino II, as one of his own from the very beginning. Josh continued to be an exceptional father throughout his life, and his devotion to his children was indisputable. He often volunteered at his children’s school events, and he coached many of their sports teams, including Carlos’ Buhach Youth Thunder football special teams from 2000-2002, the Oakland A’s t-ball team in 2006, and his youngest sons’ soccer team during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Additionally, he was a Band Booster Parent for the BCHS Thunder Marching Band from 2003-2007.
Josh also began working at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atwater in April of 2001 as a correctional systems officer. In addition to his regular duties, he participated on the Disturbance Control Team for 15 years. Throughout his 18 years in working there, he was an exceptional role model, mentor, and friend to many. He was never one to shy away from hard work, always putting others’ needs before his own.
Josh is preceded in death by his firstborn son, Joshua Abraham Lopez III, who died on December 24th, 2007. His father, Joshua Grajeda Lopez, also precedes him in death, having passed away on July 14th, 2011.
He also leaves behind many who loved him dearly. He is survived by his wife, Maria Jessie Sabala Lopez, and four children: Carlos (30), Jessica (13), Joshie IV (7), and Joseph (6). He also has two grandchildren, Cadence and Gavin, who will miss him dearly. Additionally, he leaves behind his mother, Viola Lopez, who currently resides in Artesia, New Mexico, along with six siblings, Mark Lopez (Springfield, Oregon), Dianne Sympson (Washington), Jonathan Phillips (Montgomery, Texas), Stephen Lopez (Chicago, Illinois), Jeremy (Madera, California), and Jared (Madera, California).
As author Mitch Albom once wrote, “Life has to end. Love doesn’t.” And, without a doubt, our love for Josh will endure.
We’d also like to offer our most sincere thanks to the Wilson Family Funeral Chapel for taking such wonderful care of our beloved Joshua Abraham Lopez. It means the world to us.

There will be a reading of the rosary at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Friday December 13th, 2019 at 6:00 P.M.

There will be a second reading of the rosary on Saturday December 14th, 2019 at 8:30 A.M. with the funeral mass to follow at 9:00 A.M. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church located at 671 E. Yosemite Ave. Merced, CA. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.





Rosary
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Friday, December 13, 2019
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
671 E. Yosemite Ave
Merced, California 95340

Rosary

Rosary
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Saturday, December 14, 2019
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
671 E. Yosemite Ave
Merced, California 95340

Second Prayer Service

Funeral Mass
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Saturday, December 14, 2019
9:00 AM
671 E. Yosemite Ave
Merced, California 95340

Funeral Mass

Burial
Calvary Cemetery
Saturday, December 14, 2019
10:30 AM
260 W. Childs Ave.
Merced, California 95341

Burial

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