Richard M. Lopez

Donna - Richard M. Lopez, 60, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at his residence in Donna, TX. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home in Donna, TX.

In Loving Memory of Richard M. Lopez

October 12, 1964 – June 1, 2025

Richard M. Lopez, affectionately known to family and friends as Rick or Ricky, passed away peacefully at his home in Donna, Texas, on June 1, 2025, at the age of 60.

Born in Orange, California, on October 12, 1964, Rick was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was known for his unwavering love and deep devotion to his family and friends. Rick had a warm and generous heart and never missed an opportunity to tell those around him how much he loved them—a gesture that endeared him to all who knew him.

As a youth, Rick served faithfully as an altar server at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Donna, a reflection of the strong faith that continued to guide him throughout his life. He remained deeply committed to his spiritual journey as a member of the Edinburg ACTS community and as a proud Cursillista, embracing a life of service, reflection, and brotherhood in Christ. Sharing scripture was part of his daily devotion—he regularly sent encouraging Bible verses to friends and family as a way to uplift and inspire.

Shortly after Ricky came back from his ACTS Retreat, he also experienced the Cursillo movement, which further deepened his faith. He answered his call and served on Team for the ACTS Retreat at the prison in Raymondville, Texas. His service there was a testament to his deep faith and his desire to share Christ’s message of hope and redemption with others.

Rick was a tremendous athlete from a young age, competing in city league baseball and continuing to excel through junior high and high school. As a proud Donna Redskin, he was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, and baseball, receiving numerous accolades for his skill, sportsmanship, and dedication. His talent and competitive spirit earned him the respect of coaches, teammates, and the community. He was a graduate of Donna High School, Class of 1983. After high school, Rick was a walk-on for the Texas Longhorns football team, a testament to his determination, athletic ability, and love for the game.

Ricky graduated from Pan American University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Government, a foundation that reflected both his passion for physical education and his interest in civic engagement.

He later dedicated his life to education and youth development. He served as a teacher in Houston, Texas, and later in Denver, Colorado, before returning to his hometown to teach in the Donna Independent School District. Beyond the classroom, Rick generously volunteered his time coaching youth baseball and basketball in local city leagues. His encouragement, guidance, and passion left a lasting impact on the young athletes he mentored.

In his personal time, Rick enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, playing his guitar, and reading daily scripture. These quiet moments reflected his love of nature, music, and faith.

He is survived by his devoted father, Regino Lopez; his loving siblings, Dr. Nancy Lopez-Castillo (Fernando), Maria Elena (Mary) Cantu, and Regino Lopez (Dr. Patty Lopez); and his sister-in-law, Adriana Lopez. Rick also leaves behind his loving aunts and uncles: Gloria Montelongo Castillo (Houston, Texas), Marcy Montelongo Alamia (Edinburg, Texas), Nena Montelongo (Orange, California), Lupe Montelongo (Fresno, California), and Cesar Montelongo and Ismael Montelongo (Donna, Texas); along with numerous cousins from California, Arizona, Texas, and New York. He also leaves behind his cherished nieces and nephews: David Ruben Lopez, Fernando Gabriel Castillo II, Kelsie Anne (Castillo) Garza, Sara Elisa Lopez, Kristina Juliannah Cantu, Ashley Kamille Castillo, Regino Daniel Lopez, Juliette Marie Cantu, Miguel Angel Lopez, Carlos Javier Cantu Jr., Laura Isabella Lopez, Julienne Anastasia Cantu, and Juan Emmanuel Lopez.

Rick now joins in eternal rest his beloved mother, Margarita Montelongo Lopez; his brothers, Juan Regino “Johnny” Lopez and Dr. Ruben Montelongo Lopez; and his grandmother, Julia Alvarez Montelongo.

Rick’s memory will forever live in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love him. His kind spirit, boundless affection, and quiet strength will never be forgotten.

A memorial service to celebrate Rick’s life will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, starting at 10 a.m. The family deeply appreciates your prayers and support during this difficult time.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

—2 Timothy 4:7

A memorial service for Ricky will be conducted on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. A mass is scheduled to take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 2:00 PM, which will be followed by interment at Val Verde Memorial Gardens.

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