Ernest Lopez Jr.

United States Navy Petty Officer Ernest Lopez Jr. passed away on May 3, 2018, from service-connected cancer resulting from burn pit exposure during his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Lopez was a kid who loved adventure and being outdoors. He was raised in Modesto, California, by his parents, Camille and Ernest (Ernie Sr.), alongside his sister, Michelle, who was four years older. Like any big sister, she loved to tease and torment him, but the bond they shared was unbreakable. Michelle would later pass away from ALS. 

Most weekends, the family traveled throughout California for competitive baseball. Ernie Sr. often coached Lopez, while Camille cheered him on from the stands or right alongside the action. Lopez loved having both parents close, fully present for every pitch, hit, and inning. 

In his late twenties, Lopez met the love of his life, Erica, through her best friend. On paper, they couldn’t have been more different. He was the loud, outgoing party guy, while she was the quiet bookworm. After several unsuccessful attempts to convince her to go out with him, he finally persuaded her to attend a country music festival featuring George Strait. She agreed because she wanted to hear the performers. What she didn’t expect was that one night would change everything. They spent the evening laughing, dancing, and singing their hearts out, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. 

They bonded over music, dancing (even though neither had any rhythm), the beach, camping, exploring the outdoors, their families, and, of course, their beloved Los Angeles Dodgers. They loved climbing into their Jeep and heading out with no destination in mind, exploring the California Sierras and deserts. They also enjoyed drives to the beach on both the East and West Coasts, often watching the sun disappear before sitting beneath the stars, talking about life and dreaming about the future. More than anything, they loved making each other laugh. 

After three wonderful years of dating, Lopez and Erica married in 2002. Their partnership was built on friendship, laughter, love, and respect. They were each other’s best friends, biggest supporters, and greatest sources of motivation, always encouraging one another to pursue their dreams. Lopez was a true romantic, showing his love through thoughtful, everyday gestures, whether bringing Erica chocolate on a Friday night or finding simple ways to make her smile. 

For fifteen years, the two built a life together, creating countless memories and praying for a child. Their greatest joy arrived when their daughter, Carsyn, was born. She brought sunshine, laughter, and a new kind of happiness into their lives. Lopez adored Carsyn, and Carsyn adored him. Though their time together was far too short, the three years they shared were filled with a lifetime’s worth of love, joy, and cherished memories. Watching Lopez become a father was one of Erica’s greatest gifts. 

Lopez never planned on joining the military. When he first enlisted in 1989, he had accompanied a friend who was signing up and was simply there for support. While sitting there, he thought, “Why not?” and before anyone knew it, he had enlisted too. 

Boy, was his mom mad. 

After serving three years, Lopez left the military and spent nearly a decade as a civilian. Then, on September 11, 2001, he watched in disbelief as planes struck the Twin Towers. In that moment, something inside him changed. He knew exactly what he wanted to do. 

Just one week later, he reenlisted without telling anyone. 

This time, Erica, his then-fiancée, was mad too. 

When his family confronted him, he explained his decision in a way they would never forget: 

“Why not me? Why do I get to live a beautiful, easy life when those innocent people in those towers don’t? Why not me? Why should 18-year-old boys and girls have to go before me? Why can’t I go? I want to go. I need to go—for my country, for my family, and, more importantly, for the men and women standing beside me.” 

Those words stayed with his family and friends. Although they worried about him and did not always agree with his choices, they understood that he was answering a calling rooted in duty, service, and sacrifice. They supported him through every deployment, challenge, and decision throughout his military career. 

Lopez served his country with honor, dedication, and selfless commitment for more than 24 years in the United States Navy. During his career, he served in Virginia Beach, 29 Palms, Oklahoma City, Camp Pendleton, and Yokosuka, Japan, and completed multiple deployments in support of combat contingency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a warrior in every sense of the word and a Sailor who proudly answered the call wherever the mission took him. 

His distinguished military service was recognized through numerous awards and decorations, including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Army Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one Gold Star, and Joint Service Commendation Medal. These honors reflected his dedication to duty, exceptional service, and steadfast commitment to his nation. 

Yet those who knew Lopez would likely remember the man before his military accomplishments. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back. If you needed help, he was there. If you were having a rough day, he would find a way to make you laugh. When things became difficult, he was the person you wanted beside you because you knew he had your back. He was genuine, dependable, and fiercely loyal to the people he cared about. 

As a leader, Lopez never asked anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself. He led from the front, took care of his people, and earned respect through his actions rather than his words. Sailors trusted him because they knew he cared, and he took great pride in mentoring younger Sailors, patiently teaching them the ropes and taking them under his wing. His peers respected him because they knew where he stood. He had a way of bringing people together and making everyone feel they mattered. 

His generosity extended far beyond the Navy. He believed everyone should give back in some way, no matter how small the act. Whether someone needed help with yard work, a home project, or moving to a new house, Lopez showed up. If a friend needed a hand, he would gather others and make sure the job got done. He offered his time, energy, and kindness freely to family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and even strangers. He never wanted anyone to struggle alone when he could help. 

Above all else, Lopez loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud son who cherished his parents and wanted to make them proud, and a loyal friend. He made sure Erica felt loved every day and had a contagious laugh that made everyone want to be part of the joke. He was kind to those who needed a little extra joy in their lives and never hesitated to brighten someone’s day. He was the goodness, laughter, strength, and hope of his family. 

Looking back on their years together, Erica cherishes every adventure, laugh, tear, challenge, deployment, cancer diagnosis, victory, and quiet moment they shared. Their life was not perfect, but it was theirs, and it was filled with love. She will forever be grateful for every memory and every day she was blessed to spend with him. His love, strength, and the joy they shared will remain in her heart always. 

Lopez loved being outdoors, whether camping, fishing, playing ball, or spending a day at the beach. To honor his adventurous spirit, his family continues to celebrate his life through movement. 

Ironically, Lopez loathed running. Yet when Erica signed up for her first marathon and was afraid to run it alone, he never hesitated. With no training, he ran all 26.2 miles by her side, encouraging her every step of the way and helping her finish strong. Since then, Erica has completed eleven marathons, with her last three—the Honolulu Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, and the Marine Corps Marathon—run in his honor. 

Lopez’s mother participated in the 10K in Honolulu in his honor. Carsyn and Erica participate in their local 5K each year to celebrate his life and memory, and Erica’s mother, his mother-in-law, completed the Tahoe Half Marathon in his honor. 

The family believes that every time they run, they are breathing in the remembrance of Lopez. Every step is an opportunity to say his name, honor his spirit, and carry him with them. Living an active life was a huge part of who he was, and they hope to continue that legacy for years to come. His strength, determination, and love for adventure continue to inspire them to keep moving forward, one step at a time. 

Lopez’s legacy is one of love, service, and unwavering generosity. He believed that service was not measured by grand gestures but by the countless small acts of kindness that make a difference in someone’s life. His example reminds those who knew him to help one another, lend a hand when possible, and look out for those around them. 

Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the countless people whose lives are better because they had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered as a phenomenal leader, a trusted shipmate, a loving family man, and a friend who was always there when needed. The greatest way to honor him is to carry forward the values he lived by: love generously, serve willingly, and never hesitate to help someone in need. 

United States Navy Petty Officer Ernest Lopez Jr. is survived by his devoted wife, Erica; their beloved daughter, Carsyn; and his loving parents, Camille and Ernest (Ernie Sr.). He was preceded in death by his sister, Michelle. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Lopez family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.