Joseph Frank Lopez

Joseph Frank Lopez, 92, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Born on August 27, 1933, in New York, NY, he was the son of Joseph Lopez and Blanca Estrella Lopez.

He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy for four years, carrying that sense of duty throughout his life. He received two awards for his service including: The Navy Occupation Service Metal and The National Defense Service Metal. A devoted father and grandfather, he found his greatest joy in his family and led with steadfast strength, warmth, and integrity.

A proud Catholic and man of deep faith, he lived guided by humility, generosity, and compassion. He was a loving and caring husband, cherishing his family with unwavering commitment. Joseph and his wife, Delores, were married for over sixty-nine years. In his younger years, he was a Golden Gloves boxer, later channeling that same discipline into his passion for running. A dedicated reader, he also loved storytelling, sharing memories, wisdom, and laughter through his well-timed jokes.

He was deeply caring toward others and believed in giving back, generously supporting causes close to his heart, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His legacy of service, faith, perseverance, kindness, and joy will live on through all who knew and loved him.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Lopez; his mother, Blanca Estrella Lopez; his father, Joseph Lopez; his sisters, Blanche Sison (Robert) and Carmen Andriano; and John, the beloved life partner of his daughter, Tracey.

He is survived by his children, Susan Johnson (Mark), Tracey Spainhour, Kelli Phipps (Bobby), and Sean Lopez (Christie); his grandchildren, Shanen, Ryan, Patrick, Jessica, Thamer, Maggi, and Blaze; and his six great-grandchildren.

To honor and celebrate Joseph’s life, a Wake will be held on Saturday, December 27th at 12:00PM followed by a Prayer Service at 1:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, James Island. His final arrangements were carried out with love and respect, in keeping with his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital through a memorial fundraising link honoring Joseph listed down below.

Online donations at: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=9103337&fr_id=154020&pg=personal

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-814-8494.