Donald Lopez

In Loving Memory of Donald Joseph Lopez

August 31, 1950 – July 25, 2025

Donald Joseph Lopez, known as Don Lopez, passed away at his home in Millbrae, California on July 25, 2025. He was 74 years old.

Don grew up in Metairie, Louisiana. He was a beloved son of Vivian Curtis and Joseph Manuel Lopez, and grew up with his five siblings—Sherry, Rodney, Valerie, Darryl, and Laureen—who also passed away just three months prior to Don’s passing. The family finds comfort in knowing they are now reunited.

Don was a strong-willed and well-opinionated southern man, known for his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering hospitality. He had a gift for sharing stories, offering guidance, and making people feel seen and heard. His influence left an impression on everyone who knew him.

With a dream so big, and determination so strong, he left Louisiana in his early 20’s to chase the California sun. He loved the beautiful beaches, the people, and the music scene. It is where his greatest journey began as an aspiring musician.

Eventually, life led him from Santa Monica to the SF Bay Area peninsula where he discovered his new profound love for photography, and exploring nature. He took many trips to Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz, and loved exploring the giant redwood trees. He would often take day trips along the California Coast to see his favorite beaches in Pacifica, Montara, Pescadero, and Davenport.

Don worked hard to provide a humble life in Millbrae, California, building a successful career in industrial sales and rising to Branch Manager at Honeywell. Yet he never lost sight of his passion for music. He studied music education, played guitar daily, and spent his free time fixing and reselling guitars, amps, and cars. Eventually, his love for music became his true calling. After retiring, he founded Uptown Music Productions, a music equipment repair shop and studio in Millbrae where he taught guitar lessons to local students. On weekends, he supported local musicians by fixing their equipment—and his greatest joy came when invited to join in and play rhythm guitar. Music wasn’t just a part of Don’s life—it was the rhythm of his soul.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lynn (Emerenciana Noeline Nunez); his daughter, Deanna Sciarra, and her husband, Joseph Sciarra IV; his treasured grandchildren, Joseph Sciarra V and Giuliana Vivienne Sciarra, and his siblings, Sherry Zimmerman, Rodney Lopez, Valerie Methe, and Darryl Lopez.

Memorial

A private, intimate family viewing will be held at Garden Chapel in South San Francisco on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. We ask for privacy at such a delicate time of grieving.

However, his life will be honored through a vibrant celebration in the coming weeks ahead. Friends and family are invited near and far to gather at a local venue to enjoy live rhythm and blues, performed by guest musicians playing Don’s favorite songs. We will gather and share our greatest memories of him, and we will dance, sing, and remember the man who lived with heart, conviction, and a deep love for music.

More information to follow.

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.”

– Victor Hugo

Don’s legacy lives on in every song played, and every heart string pulled. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.