Carlos Lopez Rodriguez

Carlos Lopez Rodriguez
07/22/1948 - 10/08/2020
On Tuesday, October 8, 2020, Carlos Lopez Rodriguez, proud Vietnam military veteran, incredible chef,
and amazing human being, passed away at the age of 72 years old.
Carlos was born and raised in Stockton, CA to loving mother Carmen Lopez and father Simon Rodriguez.
He joined the U.S military in 1967 where he served 18 years and was later honorably discharged in 1985.
He served in both the U.S Army and the U.S Army reserves in Vietnam. He was a decorated war hero
who received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign
Medal.
Upon being discharged in 1985, he returned back home to Stockton where he later reunited with old
acquaintance Gloria Velasquez. Their romance began with a dance followed by a movie and she soon
became his best friend and long-life partner of 40 years.
Carlos was a generous soul that never hesitated to help anyone in need. He fearlessly served his country
for 18 years and he continued to serve his community, friends, and family long after. He dedicated 60
years of his life to the catering business where he often cooked for extravagant weddings, quinceneras,
community events, and small friendly gatherings.
Carlos was often seen cruising the streets of Stockton playing big musical artists like Frank Sinatra, Dean
Martin, Pepe Aguilar, and Little Joe. He had an undying passion for music, cooking delicious food, and
spending time with family and friends. He always managed to put a smile on everyone’s face whether
that be over food, the occasional drink, nice hour-long conversation about life, or diverse musical
playlists. He was a devoted friend, mentor, and kind individual to people of all different walks of life.
Some even called Carlos “Grandpa Jones,” a nickname he cherished and earned from his loving great-
grand daughter, Alexis.
Carlos was admired by many and will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He is
survived by his five sisters Virginia, Carmelita, Eva, Stella, and Rachel, as well as, his three brothers,
Henry, Frank, and Larry. He will forever be missed by his dedicated partner, Gloria Rodriguez, and his
two beloved great grand-children, Alexis and Pelon. Please come and join us to celebrate both his life
and service to his country on October 19, 2020 at the Stockton Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carlos Lopez Rodriguez, please visit our floral store.