Remembering Oxnard’s first elected Latino mayor, Dr. Manuel Martinez Lopez

Most people wouldn’t expect the son of an immigrant laborer, a boy who lost his mother at age six, and nearly lost his life six years later due to the as yet incurable disease of tuberculosis, to have much of a chance of survival. Dr. Lopez not only survived, he became a beloved family man, successful in his chosen career of optometry and gave life-long community service to the City of Oxnard.

Dr. Lopez graduated from Oxnard High School, Ventura College, San Diego State University and UC Berkeley School of Optometry. Dr. Lopez came home to serve as the first bilingual optometrist in 1962. He practiced proudly until he retired in 2016. He served on the Oxnard City Council from 1978-1992, and as elected Mayor from 1992-2004. He served as a Harbor Commissioner for the Port of Hueneme from 2008 until his passing. In addition he served on many community boards including; Oxnard Planning Commission, Tri-County Optemetric Association, Boys and Girls Club of Oxnard. He was a founding member of; The GOOD Club, CSUCI Foundation, Sister City Oxnard-Ocotlán, VCCF Destino Fund, VCCF Women’s Legacy Fund, Oxnard-Port Hueneme Waste Treatment Authority, Oxnard Veteran’s Memorial, the Oxnard Public Library and numerous other associations that he was passionate about.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Irma of 40 years; his daughter Marisa, her husband Fred and their children “Manny” (Fred Manuel) and Leila; his daughter Tiffany; his stepdaughter Yvonne and her children Ashley, Nichole, Tamara, Samantha and Thomas; his stepdaughter Lisa and her husband Greg and their children Jordan and Carlos; and nine great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister Ruth Torres and her children Christine and Irene and several beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Gilbert and Joe Lopez.

The family extends a special thank you to Leticia Flores, Manny’s Caregiver, as well as Dr. Rothschild, Dr. Weymer, Dr. Figuerora and the staff of St. John’s Regional Medical Center.

The recitation of the Rosary will be 6:30 p.m., Thursday, February 13, in Santa Clara Catholic Church, Oxnard. Friends may visit from 6:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 14, also at the Church. Burial will follow after the Mass in Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Dr. Lopez’ name to the Friends of Oxnard Public Library or the Oxnard College Foundation Dr. Manuel M. Lopez Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Otto & Sons, Camino del Sol, Funeral Home and Crematory, Oxnard (805) 483-3443