LOPEZ, Daniel

Vining Funeral Home, Safford, Arizona Daniel Lopez July 4, 1968 - May 23, 2013 Daniel Lopez, age 44, of Morenci, entered into eternal rest early Thursday morning, May 23, 2013, at the Kindred Hospital in Tucson. A Mass of Christian Burial for Daniel will be celebrated Tuesday morning June 4, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church by Rev. Martin Atanga-Baabuge. Committal will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Daniel was born July 4, 1968, in Morenci, to George and Marylou Lopez. He grew up in Morenci and attended Morenci High School graduating in 1986. Upon graduation he went on to pursue his passion of playing baseball for Pima Community College. After college he began his career working for Phelps Dodge now known as Freeport-McMoran, working in the leaching department, and ending as senior surveyor. He married his high school sweetheart Melissa Rocha in 1988, and had four loving children together. Daniel was a caring, loving, and devoted husband, father, son, brother, godfather, and Big Papa, who loved spending time with his family. Daniel was the type of person who loved life itself. He enjoyed simple things like hanging out with his friends, helping people out, going to work, cooking on his little charcoal grill, and playing and watching all sports. His biggest joys, however, came from coaching and he will be remembered for all the lives he touched. Daniel leaves behind: his loving wife, Melissa Lopez; his four children, Christopher, Derrick, Nicholas (Nunu), and Danielle Lopez; two grandchildren, Christopher (Tiger) Lopez and Jazlynn Lopez; his father, George Lopez; his sisters, Gloria Farlow and Vivian Lopez; his brothers, Michael, Steve, and Anthony Lopez; his in-laws, Mike and Delia Rocha; and his many nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, and friends. Daniel was predeceased by: his older brother, George; and his mother, Marylou. A rosary will be prayed Tuesday morning, at 9:00 a.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church. The family will receive friends Tuesday morning from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., also at the church.