Dennis Lopez

Dennis  “Indio” Wilfred Lopez, 66 passed away unexpectedly on February 16, 2024. Dennis was born on May 4, 1957 in Santa Fe to the late Maria Dora Viarrial and late Liborio Lopez, Sr.  He was a proud enrolled member of the Pueblo of Pojoaque where he was raised and lived out his life. 

Dennis exemplified kindness and generosity, always ensuring that those around him had a meal to eat and a shirt on their back if need be. With a lively demeanor, he loved making people laugh by sharing jokes. Throughout his life, Dennis pursued various hobbies with passion. He excelled in pool and darts, achieving city, state, and national recognition in both sports. His love for guitar stemmed from his father's teachings, and loved jamming with his siblings. Dennis was a big fan of music. He loved to have his music blaring from his many speakers in his home. Giving the community a concert. Dennis enjoyed riding his Harley, the louder the better. He loved Harley’s so much he parked them inside his living room. He also indulged in fishing, known for his remarkable casting ability and inventive use of a spark plug as a weight. Additionally, Dennis showcased his artistic talent through pencil sketches, ink drawings, and craving Kachina dolls. More recently, he found joy in solving word puzzles and indulging in sweets. Dennis was a very proud and loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was their biggest cheerleader in all endeavors. Dennis enjoyed life and socializing with his friends and family. Daily visits were an occurrence to those in reach including the Pojoaque Pueblo Senior Center. 

Dennis is survived by his children: Willow Lopez, Sage Lopez (Manuel) and their mother and his wife Priscilla Jean Hinojosa Lopez,  Mekyla Salazar (Charles) and her mother Sandra Salazar, Pamela Gurule and her mother Tara Gurule, his grandchildren: Islin (Marisol), Lauryn (AJ) Santos, Santana Lopez (Ryan), Angelica, Martin, Moses, Nayeli, Jesse, Sophia, Giovanni, Great grandchildren: Ismael, Maya, Carson, Goddaughter Feliciana (Robert),  He is further survived by his siblings: Eddie Lopez (Mary Jane), Liborio Lopez, Jr., (Sabrina), Priscilla Moya (Stanley) JoAnn Guinane, James Rivera (Carla), George Rivera (Felicia), Daniel Moya, Robert Orozco, Veronica Dimas (Jeff),  Lil James Rivera (Andrea Soto), and Bonnie Trujillo. He is further survived by 35 nieces & nephews, 44 great nieces and nephews, 8 great great nieces and nephews, many aunts and uncles, his pool tournament family and many many friends throughout Northern New Mexico. 

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents: Juan & Bonafacia Lopez and Fermin and Feliciana Viarrial, siblings: Ernest Lopez, Jose Lopez, Elaine Franco, Dorothy Lopez, Raymond Ortega, nieces and nephew: Sharon Lopez, Valentino Rivera and newborn great niece Lily.

His presence will be sorely missed, yet his memory cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Dennis would like to thank the Pueblo of Pojoaque Governing staff, Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Police, Santa Clara Tribal Police, Macario Gutierrez, Evonne Martinez, Adam Duran. Special thanks to Tanya Lopez, Athena Lopez, Joseph Jake Viarrial,  Roseann Blea, Josephina Villarreal, Fermin Lopez, Eddie Lopez, Liborio Lopez, Jr,, Jimmy Lopez, Robert Casaus, Matt Duran, Tom Romeau, Robert Orozco, Idak Fierro, Michael Lopez, Jr., Gabriella Viarrial and all our aunts and uncles for their generosity and guidance during this time. We would also like to thank Father Frank Pretto of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe church for the prayer service and Margie and Edmund Tapia for the rosary. Ohkay Owingeh drum group who honored Dennis with a song during the procession and a gravesite prayer.

Services will take place at his home, beginning on Monday, February 19, 2024 at noon with a viewing, followed by a rosary at 4 pm and prayer services at 5 pm. Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10 a.m. a traditional burial at the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Cemetery. Reception to follow after burial at the Cities of Gold Conference Center.