Cipriano G. “Chino” Lopez

Cipriano G. “Chino” Lopez, 98, of Galesburg, died at 2:20 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2016 in Heartland Health Care Center.

He was born July 26, 1917 in Jalisco, Mexico, the son of Felix and Maria (Garcia) Lopez.  He married Ruth Martinez on May 5, 1951 in Silvis, Illinois.  She preceded him in death April 27, 1981.

He is survived by a son, Phillip S. (and Elizabeth) Lopez of Avon, Illinois; two daughters, Eulalia “Margo” (and Juan) Davila and Mary Louise (and Billie) Lopez, both of Galesburg; eight grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and several Godchildren, nieces, and nephews.  In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Phillip Lopez and Joseph Lopez; three sisters, Juanita Reveles, Carolina Pacheco, and Carmel Garcia; and one grandson, Paul Villarreal.

Chino previously worked for C.B.&Q Railroad, Sterling Illinois Steel, and Butler Manufacturing Company.  He was employed as a night watchman for Iowa Malleable Company, formerly Galesburg Malleable Company, for 35 years, retiring in 1981.  He had lived in Galesburg since 1924 and was the oldest living Hispanic here at the time of his death.  Chino was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, L.U.L.A.C., the Family Latin Social Club, and played for the local Hispanic Baseball Team, Los Reyes, in the late 1940's to early 1950’s.

He served in the United States Army during World War II.  He was a member of V.F.W. Post 2257 and Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285.

Chino spent his last few years at the Veteran's Home in Quincy, returning back to Galesburg during the last few months.  He was appreciative of the services he received in Quincy and proud of his Veteran's status. 

Chino loved to tinker in his retirement, working on bicycles and lawn mowers for friends and neighbors and collecting tons of junk.  He enjoyed watching sports, in particular, baseball, football, and boxing and always cheered for the Chicago Cubs and Bears to lose.  He was a lifelong Brooklyn and then Los Angeles Dodgers baseball fan and Miami Dolphins football fan.  He was not above an occasional wager with his friends and family on sports and enjoyed winning those bets.  He was an avid gardener, planting his tomatoes and jalapeno peppers every spring.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved telling stories about different occurrences and people in his life to his friends who would come to visit with him as he tinkered in his garage.  He will be missed by many. 

The Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with visitation following from 6 to 8 p.m.  Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 10, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Rev. Deus-Dedit Byabato will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, where Military Honors will be provided by Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post 381.  Memorial contributions in Chino’s name may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or the Veteran’s Home in Quincy.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.