It is with great sadness in our hearts but with a Spirit of rejoicing that we said goodbye to our beloved, father, uncle, and brother-in-law, Salomon Lopez who peacefully and joyfully entered eternal life on Feb. 1, 2024.
Salomon was born into a solid Catholic Family on July 27, 1934, in San Antonio, Colo., to Jose Simon Lopez and Rebecca Ruybal Lopez. Not only do we say goodbye to a music legend in the Valley but more importantly to a man of God. Salomon was honored a few years ago with a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to the keeping of the traditions of the folk and Spanish music passed through generations.
Born into a musical family, he learned to play the guitar at a very early age by watching his sisters take lessons. He used to peep through a door watching, then afterward he would try it himself. Self-taught, he became a master of the instrument, those nimble fingers creating a legacy that would carry him through to the end of his life and beyond. He was also proficient in other instruments like the bajo, harmonica, piano, violin, and mandolin.
He was married on Nov. 14, 1959, to Della Romero Lopez and their union lasted 42 years until her passing in 2001.
The last 20 years of his life, he, with his niece Rose Vialpando (whom he considered a daughter) were known as the Cancioneros del Valle performing throughout the Valley and New Mexico. He also directed the “Our Lady of Guadalupe” choir for over 30 years.
Aside from his musical legacy, Salomon was a man of deep faith and devotion to our Lord and Our Blessed Mother. He was a daily communicant and lector at daily mass until illness prevented him from participating in his ministry, which saddened him greatly. Totally devoted to prayer, he would pray up to seven Rosaries a day making him a real apostle of the Rosary.
His shining pride were his three sons who survive him, the Rev. Anthony Lopez of Springfield, Tenn., Ronnie Lopez and Toby Lopez both of whom lived with him and took care of him during his illness. Also surviving him is Rose (Albert) Vialpando, his niece (daughter) whom he leaves with cherished memories, his goddaughter Eileen, his sisters-in-law, Wilma (Ross) Duran, Dorthy Valdez, La Jara, Gloria (Glen) Brown, California, brother-in-law Donald (Bernadette) Romero, of Antonito as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Della, his parents and all his siblings.
Through all his life he was the epitome of patience, quiet reticence and humility. He always said, “don’t worry. Worring is a wasted emotion.” He loved reading spiritual books and enjoyed going with his son Toby to the Bronco Games in Denver. He will be missed greatly. He looked forward to going home and he was happy.
The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated by his Son the Rev. Anthony on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Rosary Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at 10 a.m. with viewing from 9-10 a.m.
He looked forward to going home and he was happy. Special thank you to Toby Lopez, his youngest son who selflessly took care of him to the end assisted by Ronnie.
To leave online condolences, please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa.
