Romaldo Marin Lopez
January 13, 1943 – February 1, 2019
Romaldo Marin Lopez was a resident of Elgin, Arizona since 2001. For the past year his health had declined. He was loved and surrounded by his immediate family at the end. Originally born in Sonora, AZ, He grew up there with his six siblings and his parents until he was 15 years old. His family were miners. When the mine took over the town they moved to San Jose, Ca.
He and his wife Lydia Martinez Lopez were married for 52 years. They were business owners in Patagonia and ran the Metamorphosis Art Gallery for many years. Both were active artists in their 20’s and 30’s. He was a Bronze sculptor and photographer. She was a painter and graphic artist. He and his sculptor friends established a foundry to cast bronze and aluminum sculpture and were instrumental in the art community. They met in San Jose, CA, attended art school together and graduated from San Jose State University. He majored in sculpture and minored in entomology. Many of his sculptures reflected a metamorphosis between human and insect anatomy. He worked at the University as a staff photographer where he retired after 31 years.
They raised their two sons Michael and Rafael Lopez. Between the sons and their families (Daughters-in-Law Meg and Angela), he was loved by his six grandchildren; Michael Jr., Marlena, Anthony, Jessica, Kinsey and Maile. Romaldo loved and cherished his grandchildren and the time he spent with each of them. His youngest granddaughter, Maile, was born in Sonoita in August and her 4-year-old sister Kinsey enjoyed playing with his toy collection of cars and insects. He was their “Buelo” and Lydia is their “Buela”.
For those that knew him, he was known as Romey. He was very principled, opinionated, straight forward, spoke his mind, was a good friend, a mentor to some, and enjoyed throwing a good party. Their annual Super Bowl party was always a hit. He knew how to cook a turkey, his lamb was even better, and his salsa was a winner. He loved his ranch, his sheep, his dogs, chickens, cats and his award-winning vegetable garden. They became parent figures to many in San Jose and to some here in Arizona.
He will be greatly missed by all. We will always love and appreciate all that you did for us, Dad. There will be a Celebration of Life on March 30 2019 at the Sonoita Fairgrounds from 12-3 p.m. For those that knew him, please feel welcome to attend.