Donato Lopez

Donato Cruz Lopez, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 with his loving family by his side.

Donato Survived by his love of his life of 67 years, Hope Perez Lopez; 6 children, Hugo (Teresa) Lopez, Robert Lopez, George Lopez (Dolores), Michael Lopez, Michelle (Enrique Cabanas) and David (Michelle) Lopez; brothers, Frutoso, Francisco, Alfredo, Gil; and sister, Juanita; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Clara Cruz and Pedro Lopez; sisters, Ofelia and Maria; brother, Ramiro; and grandson, Christopher Lopez.

Donato came to United States at 17 years old in 1948 and worked in Arkansas picking Cotton. Additionally, he worked as a farm hand in Donna, Texas after moving. Then, in 1949 Donato came to Joliet, Illinois and started working for the Santa Fe Railroad. Donato worked for the Sante Fe Railroad for 43 years, from 10/1949 to 12/1992. While working at Sante Fe he met his love of his life, Hope, at a dance in 1954 after he asked her for a dance. Not too long after, Donato and Hope were married in October of 1954. Donato was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather who will be missed deeply.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be appreciated.

A celebration of Donato’s life will begin on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet with a visitation from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until word of remembrance beginning at 10:30 a.m. then driving in procession to Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville for entombment. Obituary and tribute wall for Donato Cruz Lopez are available at www.tezakfuneralhome.com.