John Lopez Muñoz, age 100, devoted husband, loving father, and grandfather, passed from this life into eternal life with Christ on September 11, 2023, at Renown Hospital in Reno, Nevada.
John, the youngest of ten children, was born on May 6, 1923, in Fillmore, California, to Cayetano and Natalia Muñoz. He graduated from Fillmore Union High School in 1943. During high school, he discovered his athletic prowess on the football field and developed a lifelong love of the sport.
He was united in holy matrimony to Lydia Rico on February 9, 1945. The union was blessed with seven children. They were married for 72 years. Lydia preceded him in death on May 16, 2017.
As he and his wife raised their young, growing family, John worked alongside his brother Frank at the Muñoz Pipe Company in Fillmore, whom he had worked for since he was 15. His career path next took him to work for Union Construction. After a few years, John realized he wanted more control over his work life and the freedom to make decisions, so he decided to take the reins of the Muñoz Pipe Company and become his own boss. After working in the pipe business and construction, John turned over the family business to his sons and started truck driving for Fillmore-Piru Citrus.
In 1994, John and Lydia relocated to Reno, Nevada, along with several family members. At age 71, John started working at the Salvation Army in Reno. John worked until he was 83 years old. He and his beloved wife Lydia enjoyed a retired life surrounded by the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
John was fond of the great outdoors and traveling. He spent many happy days camping with his family and hunting with his sons and grandsons. He and Lydia traveled to numerous places, including Hawaii, Mexico, Israel, Egypt, and Italy; he most cherished visiting Vatican City in Rome.
John and Lydia were active members of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore and St. Therese Church of the Little Flower in Reno. He volunteered at numerous church events and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization, and the Los Padrinos Club, a local church organization. In the 60s, John and his wife organized and hosted Black and White dances for the local community. Despite his busy schedule, he still found time to follow his passion for USC football and the Los Angeles Rams.
John had a great sense of humor, encouraged others, and remained positive no matter what. Our family will always hold him in our hearts and remember all the treasured memories, love, and laughter we shared. John is preceded in death by his daughters, Theresa and Marie, and his son Martin. He is survived by four children, John (Jane), Martha, Kathy, Peter (Debbie), and his granddaughter Danielle, whom he helped raise from a young age. John had 20 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren who all loved and adored him.
A funeral mass will be held on October 28, 2023 at St Therese Church of the Little Flower, 875 E Plumb Lane, Reno NV 89502. Reception to follow.