Leopoldo "Polo" Lopez

Leopoldo “Polo” Lopez passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 14, 2025, at his family home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was 91 years old.

Leo was born on November 26, 1933, in San Ysidro, New Mexico, to Vicente and Dahlia Lucero Lopez. He was their second son and grew up in a hardworking, close-knit family with three brothers and five sisters. Much of his childhood was spent on the family farm, where he learned the values that shaped the rest of his life: responsibility, perseverance, and caring for others. Working alongside his parents and siblings from sunrise to sunset, he helped tend the fields, livestock, and daily chores that kept the farm running. The farm became not only a place of work, but a foundation for the strong family bonds he cherished throughout his life.

After graduating from Las Cruces Union High School in 1952, Leo enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 18. What began as a young man’s call to serve became a distinguished 26-year career marked by dedication, skill, and steady leadership. His early assignments included service aboard the USS Los Angeles, where he quickly earned the respect of his shipmates. He later served as a Recruit Division Commander (RDC) at the Recruit Training Command (RTC) in Great Lakes, Illinois, shaping new generations of sailors with the same discipline and work ethic he had learned on the farm.

Throughout his naval career, Leo served in Bremerton, Washington, San Diego, California, and aboard several aircraft carriers, including the USS Bon Homme Richard. His service spanned pivotal eras in U.S. naval history, and he deployed multiple times in support of operations in the Pacific. Known for his reliability and calm presence under pressure, Leo advanced through the ranks and became a trusted leader to those who served alongside him. He retired honorably as a Chief Warrant Officer after over 26 years of faithful service, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to his fellow sailors and faithful service to his country.

After retiring from the Navy, Leo and his wife, Deluvina, returned to Las Cruces, where he reconnected with the work of his youth—farming. He remained happiest outdoors, tending the land and mending equipment. Leo also developed a deep passion for woodworking. With patience and craftsmanship, he created several cherished family heirlooms, including a hand-built crib and bassinet used lovingly by many of his grandchildren. These pieces remain lasting symbols of his devotion to family and the care he put into everything he made.

Leo enjoyed a full and active life, and his favorite pastimes included fishing, hunting, and creating things with his hands—whether on the farm or in his workshop.

Leo is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Deluvina (Anaya); his daughter, Stephanie Logston, and her husband, Scott; his three sons, Steven and his wife, Corinna, Patrick and his wife, Annette, and Vincent and his wife, Tania. He leaves behind nine grandchildren—Spenser Lopez, Jacob Lopez, Dru Lopez, Tanner Logston, Maddy Lopez, Jeremy Logston, Isabel Saenz, Olivia Lopez, and Camielle Lopez—as well as four great-grandchildren: Aubrianna Villarreal, Lyla Villarreal, Reign Villarreal, and Liam Lopez.

He is also survived by his siblings Barbara O’Rourke, Dolores Gallegos, Agatha Jessee, Martha Middlebrook, and Reymundo Lopez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vicente and Dahlia; his brothers Leopoldo and Alfredo; and his sister Remijia Cedillo.

Services will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral 1240 S. Espina Street, Las Cruces. Family viewing will be from 9:00–9:30 a.m., followed by public viewing from 9:30–10:30 a.m. The Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., and the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.

Burial with military honors will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave., El Paso, Texas. A luncheon and celebration of life will follow at the VFW Post 8550 at 4714 Titanic Ave., El Paso, TX.