John Patrick Lopez

We announce, with the heaviest of hearts, the passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, John Patrick "J.P." Lopez, 50, on July 16 in Phoenix, Arizona. John was born in 1969 in Ogden, Utah to John Lopez and Gloria Morelli (Dunn) and moved to Reno, Nevada, in 1970. As a student at McQueen High School he fell in love with public policy and dedicated his life to serving the state of Nevada and his country. In his early twenties, he moved to Washington, D.C. and worked for U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Vucanovich of Nevada. For the next two decades, he served as legislative assistant for U.S. Congresswoman Anne Northrup, chief of staff for U.S. Senator John Ensign, and government affairs manager for the city of Las Vegas. John was a faithful and tireless public advocate who worked closely with numerous elected representatives and staff of the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, local governments, and most important, the constituents whom he was honored to serve. Following public service, John continued his government and policy work for several prominent firms in Washington D.C. Throughout his career, John was a consummate professional, gifted campaigner, and admired by colleagues for his ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with both sides of the political aisle. John was particularly proud of his achievements in public service that resulted in the placement of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. plaque at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the enactment of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, and other legislation that will benefit his home state of Nevada and his country for generations to come. In addition to his professional accomplishments, John was a warm, generous, and affable man. He enjoyed good food and conversation, painting, a good read, his favorite shows, walks on the beach, and spending quality time with family and friends.
John is survived by his mother Gloria and partner Gary, of Moscow, Idaho; father John and wife Marjorie of Reno, Nevada; brothers Michael, wife Jennifer, and daughters Paloma and Marisol of Moscow, Idaho; brother Christopher, wife Christy, and sons Jayden and Evan of Phoenix, Arizona; and grandmother Patricia of Moscow, Idaho. He also leaves behind many uncles, aunts, cousins, and lifelong friends who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, paternal grandfather and his very best companion, Patrick, his Corgi. A service, including fulfilling John's wish to have his and Patrick's ashes spread at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, will take place at a later date. In honor of his passionate love for animals, and in lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a contribution in his memory to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (https://secure.aspca.org/team/john-s-memorial-campaign-pdakhwcw). You will always be with us, J.P.

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