Carlos Franscisco Lopez

Carlos Francisco Lopez, 57, quietly left this world on Wednesday, February 12th, after a monthslong battle with cancer. His final breath a soft surrender to a life lived with resolute purpose. Born into a storied family, he was nurtured by the steadfast love of his parents, Maria de Jesus Gomez and Francisco Lopez, and distinguished himself as the eldest of eleven siblings—Santiago, Jaime, Jorge, Ricardo, Christina, Virginia, Laura, Ana, Alejandro, and Oscar.

A devoted son, a loving father to Natalie, Andrew, and Drake, and a cherished grandfather to three grandsons. Carlos embraced these roles with an unwavering sense of purpose and quiet fortitude during the most challenging of times. An ardent film and motorcycle enthusiast, he found solace in the interplay of light and shadow on a screen, and in the ceaseless hum of an engine—a symphony to which he clung as he chased sunsets on his weekend rides. In his final weeks, he dreamt of one more endless ride toward a setting sun.

In the end, surrounded by those who held him dear, Carlos found a bittersweet comfort in favorite films and the laughter borne of cherished memories. With his remaining strength, he witnessed his family draw together under a somber roof, their shared grief a testament to a life that touched over a hundred immediate and extended kin. His presence, always a vibrant silhouette within our collective memory, is a reminder of his quiet resolve that resides in every familial embrace.

Carlos’ departure leaves an indelible marked legacy etched in the hearts of those who loved him. He endures in every echo of a cherished film scene, every phantom rev of a motorcycle engine, riding eternally toward a horizon forever out of reach. He will live on through the lives of his family and friends. He will never be forgotten and forever be remembered, now and always.

Carlos is survived by and will be profoundly missed by his parents, his 10 siblings, his 3 children and 3 grandchildren.

His family wishes to thank Eva & Cheryl with Heartland Hospice, the caring staff at About Care and especially to Jerry’s Place (Connie), for providing the family with a place to gather and surround Carlos with love and care. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Carlos’ memory to Jerry’s Place: Jerry Rubin Foundation 5 Harris Court Bldg. T, Suite 201 Monterey, CA 93940.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 5:00pm to 8:00 pm with the recitation of a Rosay at 6:30pm at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, Watsonville, CA.

Mass will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 10:00am at St. Patrick’s Church in Watsonville, CA.

Burial to follow at Valley Public Cemetery.