Paul Adolph Lopez was born on July 4, 1948 to Adolph and Molly Jo of San Luis Obispo. The eldest of three children, Paul was raised on the Turri Ranch, where he and his family both lived and worked.

He spent his time between working and schooling; spending time with his closest friends Owen and Buzzy; getting up to no good in the hills and back roads of SLO County.

Graduating from SLO High in 1966, he went on to meet his wife Amy Sousa, and the two were married in late summer of 1973. The two had four children together, and later, five grandchildren. 
 
Paul worked for TRW in San Luis Obispo, and for the last 42 years of his career, at Quintron Systems in Santa Maria.

When not at work, he could be easily found working with barbecue crews at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge, often traveling with the good friends he made there to cater events in other cities. A mainstay of annual events and CYO, Paul was made Elk of the Year in 2009.

Paul loved fishing, but definitely preferred piers like Olde Port Avila to boats. It was one of his favorite forms of family bonding, pulling up a folded chair and setting up his many poles for his children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren – whoever decided to tag along for that day.

“Let’s go drown some squid,” would be how he’d usually ask.

His other great loves included listening to Motown and classic rock from the ’60s, vaguely historical western movies and World War II dramas.

A hotdog connoisseur, Paul was always down for going and getting a little treat from a donut shop or bakery. A dog person to the core, his best furry friends being Bummer, then Charlie.

Paul died on June 10, 2025. He is survived by his spouse of 51 years Amy; four children Dario, Mia (John), Cara (Chad) and Ana; five grandchildren Jazmin, Kaylee, Colton, Peyton and Claire; siblings Bernita and Chuck; many, many relatives, in-laws, friends and more, all loved in equal measure.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his paternal grandparents Pete and Maria, and maternal grandparents Jim and Faye.

A private service for family will be held on June 18, with a celebration of life to come later.