MSGT Theodore "Ted" Lopez

MSGT Theodore "Ted" Anthony Lopez, USMC (Ret), of New Bern, NC passed away on the morning of October 6, 2022.  He was born August 18, 1938, in Wahiawa, Hawaii to Emicadio and Aurora Lopez. He served Honorably in the United States Air Force. With respect, loyalty, and dedication he then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in which he later retired. Ted retired as a Master Sergeant, serving more than 25 years. His orders, deployments and training carried him all over the world from El Toro (Irvine, Ca), Vietnam, Seattle (Washington), Whidbey Island (Washington State), Okinawa, and finally retired from Cherry Point, NC. Ted loved the Marine Corps and his brothers he served with. He was a Vietnam Veteran and served in Korea.

Ted’s primary specialty and title was 7382-Airborne Radio Operator/ Loadmaster. Some of his awards include Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Air Medal (5 Awards), VSM (3 Awards), AM (8 Awards), Pistol 38. Cal Sharpshooter Badge, MC EXPEDMDL, VCM, CAR, Good Conduct Medal (4 Awards), NATDEFSERMDL, and RVN Cross of Gallantry.

Ted owned several businesses with his late wife, Patricia Jackson Lopez. Those businesses included Patti’s Beach Bingo, Taps 1&2, and PC’s Sports and Dance Club. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW and enjoyed spending time with Post 2514.  He seemed to know everyone and never met a stranger. He loved to socialize, play pool, cook, and watch football. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, and playing poker. He loved fishing, crabbing, and being on the boat. Some of his sons have cherished memories of fishing in the King Mackerel Tournament with him and playing poker in Vegas. His kids and grandchildren will remember gathering for cook outs where he made the best BBQ in Craven County. His kids and grandkids also enjoyed trips to Vegas and the family reunion in Hawaii. There are a lot of precious memories for his kids spending time with their Dad on the boat. Ted’s card playing skills won him many poker tournaments. Ted loved his family, MC family, and friends. He also loved his family pets, Hollywood and Bo. He loved his faithful hunting dogs that he would run every hunting season. Ted was an Airman, Marine, MC brother, Husband, Dad, Grandpa (Poppi), Friend, and a mentor. He helped others whenever he could.

Ted will be deeply missed by his entire family. His kids, Timmy, Steven, Christopher, and Krissy will miss him beyond what words could express. His long-term friends and Marine Corps brothers will most definitely miss him. Ted had friendships that lasted well over 60 years and so many we would like to list, but y’all know who you are. His friends Barry Gasparro and Rhonda Flansburg will cherish all the wonderful memories they have to include going on cruises or going to casino’s. His Fiancé’ Dorothy Wright, will treasure all the good times she had with Ted on their many adventures together. There are so many people that truly loved him for many years, all over the world. He most definitely left an impression on everyone he met.

Ted answered his final orders to report to Heaven and then finding his seat in Valhalla, to join his Marine Corps brothers and sisters.  He climbed that stairway leading him to his final poker game, his forever hunt (with his dogs in heaven), his forever fishing trip on the boat, and he will be greeted by all whom have passed before him. He lived a full life as well as, serving his country with dedication, respect, and honor. Ted was loved by many and will be missed by all whom knew him. MSGT Theodore A. Lopez will never be forgotten. Semper Fi!

He is survived by his sons, Tim Lopez (Sandi) of San Diego, CA, Steven Lopez (Bobbie) of Lincoln, NE, Christopher Lopez (Mariette) of Washington State; daughter, Krissy Drascula (John (deceased)) of Hubert, NC; sisters, Teresa Erkkila (Dave) of San Francisco, CA, Patricia Jucutan (Rich) of Reno, NV; brother, Dennis Jucutan of Petaluma, CA; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; Fiancé, Dorothy Wright; fur babies, his precious cat lovey and his loyal hunting dogs.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patti Lopez; brothers, Melvin Lopez, Douglas Lopez; son-in-law, MSGT John Drascula; and brother-in-law, Dave Erkkila; grandson, Shaun Lopez; fur babies, Hollywood, Bo, and dedicated hunting dogs.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, in Honor of Ted. Details for that will be updated on this page and/or Tim Lopez’s Facebook page.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Cremations, Havelock, NC.