Manuel Everaldo Lopez, born on April 17, 1957, in the windy city of Chicago, bid his final farewell on August 29, 2023, in Virginia. At the age of 66, Manuel left behind a legacy of joy, laughter, and the occasional mischievous grin.
Manuel, or Manny as he was fondly called by his loved ones, began his journey after high school when he took the plunge into matrimony. Not long after, with his son Reinaldo just three months old, he made the courageous decision to join the military. The unpredictable winds of fate swept Manuel and his growing family to Los Angeles before settling them in the charming state of Virginia.
With an impressive 20-year career in the US Navy, Manuel dedicated his time and energy to serving his country. As a retired US Navy veteran, he carried with him memories that few could comprehend. His commitment, bravery, and unwavering loyalty have left an indelible mark on those who served alongside him.
While not defending the nation, Manuel found solace in the little things that brought him joy. He immensely enjoyed engaging in heartfelt conversations with his family, cherishing their connections above all else. As a true Chicagoan, he passionately rooted for every Chicago sports team, never missing a game if he could help it. Spanish music flowed through his veins, filling his heart with rhythm and emotion. And when the stresses of life piled up, he found quiet relaxation in the embrace of a carefully selected cigar. Tinkering in his garage and cruising in his prized navy blue Cadillac were just a few more of his beloved pastimes.
Even though Manuel did not seek fame or acclaim, his impact on those around him was immeasurable. He leaves behind his devoted son, Reinaldo Lopez, along with countless relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
To honor and celebrate his life, a memorial and reception will be held at Altmeyer Funeral Home. The exact date will be announced in due course. Manuel will find his eternal peace at Albert G Horton Memorial Veterans Cemetery, surrounded by fellow comrades-in-arms.
In the grand tapestry of life, Manny will be remembered as a man who loved fiercely, lived passionately, and found joy in the simplest moments. His presence brought laughter to every room he entered, and his absence will be felt deeply. As we mourn the loss of a truly remarkable man, let us also rejoice in the memories that will forever live on in our hearts.
Rest in peace, Manuel Everaldo Lopez.
My Tio. You don’t know how hard it is me writing this post for you and tears while I’m writing but to honor you just want to say thank you. Thank you for the man you were and great Tio you were to Gabriel and myself and to the family. I was blessed to take care you of you and even though it hurts god bless me to do that. We all will miss you. I still remember how every morning when Gabriel would come out of the room you would always smile and said hi buddy! You loved us all and Gabriel and I will miss you tremendously but I’m truly blessed god gave me the opportunity to see u and hug and kiss you! I still miss those scratches you loved too lol. You are always be an amazing man to me and a loving father to Ray. You adored and loved him so much. #1 Dad! Even though being far you always kept in touch and Christmas cards and present for Gabriel Thank you loving Gabriel and I’m grateful you finally got to meet and spend time with him. you were awesome and will always be my Tio for ever. Love and miss you! Now you’ll be my angel watching over us. Love you Tio forever. Till we meet again Tio💋❤️
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Manuel Everaldo Lopez, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Navy Veteran, Manuel Everaldo Lopez, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
I couldn’t have asked for a better Tio . You have treated me and Elena with unconditional love. You may have lived miles away but our hearts were always together. You tried making it to
Birthdays , holidays and even special events. No matter the distance you were still on that road making it . We will never forget those days! We will sure miss your Christmas cards , you sure never missed a year! Elena loved when you spoiled her , she sometimes forgot mommy’s on a budget not tio haha ! Those memories will always stay in my heart. You left us too soon , but I will make sure your legacy lives on as the best Tio! You truly will be missed by many!
Me and Elena love you very much!
It is funny how a single day can change your life forever. I’ll never forget playing across the street with Marc, and watching a giant moving truck pull up in front of our townhouses. Little did we know that the family moving into the house between ours, would become an extension of our own families! Over our childhood years, we spent countless days and nights growing up together under the tutelage of each other’s parents. Manny was a big part of all of our lives. He set the bar high for what it meant to be a father, being loving and caring, yet stern when us kids needed to learn life’s lessons. He made supporting his family a priority, and you could always count on him to be there if you needed him. If we ever wanted to go somewhere he was always there to drive us around in his decked out van, which lets face it, might as well have been an RV. I remember having conversations with Manny after I had joined the Navy, and talking shop with him. I could tell that he was sort of proud to see that I was dedicated to serving our country. I know him serving meant a lot to him, and am honored that he was able to call me his shipmate! Most importantly, he brought my brother Ray into my life, and for that I will be forever grateful. Manny, you’ll always be a part of us and you’ll never be forgotten. We will love and miss you always.