Deacon Anthony J. Lopez remembered as a man of God

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Fr. Reynato Rodillas, pastor of St. James the Just Parish, speaks during the Dec. 2 memorial Mass for Deacon Anthony Lopez.

OGDEN — Deacon Anthony Joseph Lopez, 91, passed away Nov. 24 in Ogden.

He had been a deacon for more than 40 years, having been ordained on Dec. 18, 1977 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine by the Most Rev. Joseph Lenox Federal, sixth Bishop of Salt Lake City.

His first assignments was at the Holy Cross Hospital. Among the parishes he served was San Isidro Mission in Elberta, Saint Francis of Assisi in Provo and St. James the Just in Ogden, where he retired.

On Dec. 2, a private service that included recitation of the rosary was held to commemorate him.

“His faith, absolute faith in Jesus Christ, was he would talk to anyone about his relationship with Jesus to anyone that would listen,” said Tony Lopez at his grandfather’s memorial.

For Lopez, that faith was magical.

“For anyone that knew him there was no doubt that he loved Jesus, but Grandpa was quick to remind us that Jesus loves us more and in showing that love is [how] Grandpa shared his life,” he said.

Lopez recalled that the deacon’s love was for all people, no matter their faith, religion, status, culture, language. “He prayed with all.”

 During Deacon Lopez’s ministry in the diocese, he worked for Catholic Community Services and was appointed as the director of the diocesan deacon permanent office. He also served as a member of various commissions, such as the Hispanic commission and the liturgical commission; and on different boards, such as the diaconate formation board and the diocesan schools board. In addition, he was an active member in the diocesan Rites Committee, the Pastoral Council and the Commission for Women.

“Dad was an example of Jesus’ spirit and a true man of God,” said Michael James Lopez, one of the deacon’s sons.

The motto of Deacon Lopez was ‘always do a good job,’ “whether it was at church, at family meals, yard work. … It took me years to realize that wise advice he gave us,” the younger Lopez said. “My dad was the best example as a man and  as a servant of God.”

For the past six years the deacon’s health was very fragile, and his family became even closer to him, his son said.

“His service as a deacon for the Catholic Church and community was for many years and undoubtedly took a lot of personal sacrifice; however, his dedication and commitment to his marriage and family always seemed first,” he said.

At the service, Fr. Reynato Rodillas, pastor of Saint James the Just Parish, led the attendees in a rosary.

“He was a gentle man, loving husband and father, and exemplary deacon of the Church,” said Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general, in a letter announcing the deacon’s passing.

Deacon Lopez married Constance Marie Lopez in 1949 in Greeley, Colo. The couple had five children, 29 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.