---BRUNO LOPEZ JR.---

Bruno Lopez Jr. passed to our Heavenly Father at his home on February 8, 2007, surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren.

Bruno Lopez Jr. was the first born to Bruno Lopez Sr. and Salome Higuera Lopez, a Yuma pioneer family, on April 16, 1921 in Yuma. Bruno attended Yuma elementary schools and was a 1939 graduate of Yuma Union High School. Bruno excelled in the classroom and on the track field. He was a Luke Greenway State Champion for the 50 and 100-yard dash, and was the anchor of the 4 x 100. Bruno’s fast tracks wound up catching the love of his life and future wife, Socorro Marquez. Bruno and Socorro just celebrated their sixty-seventh wedding anniversary on January 7, 2007.

Together, Bruno and Socorro raised nine children, Mary Frances Valdez (Philip) of Flagstaff Arizona, Bruno A. Lopez, Edward Lopez (Maudie) of Morristown Arizona, John Lopez (Patti) of Peoria Arizona, Claudia Scarbrough (Donnie) of Yuma, Laura Arizaga (Steve) of Yuma, Robert Lopez (Becky) of Phoenix, Joseph Lopez, Catherine Korkosz (Troy) of Gilbert Arizona. Grandchildren, Mark Ceballos, Suzanne Borneman (Gary), Linda Morgan (Fred), Jason Lopez, Liann Lopez, Bryan Scarbrough (Annalee), Audrey Morton (Chad), Steven Arizaga, Christopher Arizaga, Aryca Marron (Danny), Jacklyn Sparks (Adam), Shana and Joseph Lopez, Tara and Lexi Korkosz.

While raising their family, Bruno and Socorro found time to go out on dates every Saturday night. During their younger years, they were known to be the couple to watch on the dance floor.

Bruno was a very caring, dedicated and hard working family man and his family was his pride and joy. Bruno was an inspiration and father figure to many extended family members and friends. He was looked up to by others for friendly advice and was depended upon to lend a helping hand. His wisdom and kind words were encouraging to to those who knew him. Bruno was a man of his word; his work ethic, honesty and old-fashioned values were taken to heart by many. He lived and served as an example as the complete family man.

Bruno was working at the Emporium and the Railroad when he was called to serve his country in World War II in 1945. He served as a Technical Sergeant in Japan. When he returned from the war, he returned to work at the Railroad. He later retired from Sears after twenty-two years in sales.

After his retirement, Bruno and Socorro spent summers in Parks, Arizona. This summer home became the meeting spot for many joyous family gatherings. As the family grew, many grandchildren and great grandchildren enjoyed spending time with Nana and Pop at Parks.

Bruno is survived by his loving wife, Socorro, nine children, sixteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Sisters; Mary Palacios, Sally Lopez and Lorraine Yanes (Richard) all of Imperial Beach California and brother, Andy Lopez of Yuma.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bruno and Salome Lopez, brothers, James, Robert, Charles, Octavio and Ernie and grandson, Michael Lopez.

In honor of celebrating Bruno’s happy life, a Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2007 at the American Legion Hall, 2575 Virginia Drive from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. In honor of Bruno Lopez, donations may be made to Hospice of Yuma.

Miss you, love you, Pop.

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