Albert Martin Lopez's Obituary
Al Lopez was born in Kewanee, Illinois on May 2, 1934, and died on July 7, 2026, in Frederick, Maryland, at age 92.
He was the fourth of six children born to Jesus (Jess) and Juanita (Jenny) Lopez during the Great Depression years. Their father died when the youngest was only two. Life became even more challenging for the young family and their single mother. Al contributed his labors to the family at a young age by lifeguarding, working at a bowling alley, on railroad and electrical power lines. Al dedicated his life in service and sacrifice for his family, his church, and his work.
Al and Milly reared five children, and both worked their lives long to secure their children’s educational goals and felt great pride when all graduated from university. They instilled an appreciation for family bonds by sharing stories of his childhood and of our heritage, especially by his wide collection of Mexican music, both traditional and contemporary.
Al played and refereed high school football and as a son of the Midwest, always rooted for Chicago’s “Da Bears”. He also shared stories of his late teens serving in the US Navy on the USS Hancock as an aerial photographer, traveling to Japan and Hawaii during the Korean War. Some of his best stories were about his 62-yearlong sales career with Spartan Tool, which somehow often involved super-human strength and embellished by his great sense of humor. Over generations, Al became a favorite of customers, trained and mentored numerous employees and was known for his humility, kindness and integrity.
As active member of St. Joseph’s on Carrollton Manor, Al and Milly volunteered their time, talent and their home in support of many church ministries. The Archdiocese of Baltimore awarded Al a Medal of Honor in recognition of his life-long dedicated volunteer service.
He is beloved and survived by brother, Armondo (Mondo) Lopez (Jackie) of Temecula, CA; children; Martin Lopez (Denyse) of Mt. Juliet, TN; Linda Caulkins (Craig) of Virginia Beach, VA; Victoria (Vicki) Kernstine (Art) of Cumming, GA; Mary Lopez (Joe Fitzgibbon) of Frederick, MD; and Lisa Simonds of Pewaukee, WI.
Al was “Papa” to nine grandchildren: Alexander, Christopher, Patrick, Lu, Andrew, Christine, Kendall, Paul Jr and Roxanne and seven great-grandchildren: Lauren, Christabella, Milo, Noah, Krish and Eliza. Many nephews and nieces as well as friends will also remember Al as a caring, loving man and will miss him dearly and always.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Hermila (Milly) nee Jimenez; his parents, Jess and Jenny; two sisters; Mary and Amelia (Millie) and two brothers; Anthony (Tony) and Donald (Donny).
St. Joseph’s on Carrollton Manor Catholic Church
5843 Manor Woods Road, Frederick, MD 21703
- St. Joseph on Carrollton Manor
Marthas’ Ministry will provide refreshments for the reception in the church hall after the graveside burial.
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