Tribute to Jesus Lopez: Beloved Sobador

Hi everyone, my name is Ellie, and I’m starting this fundraiser for my dad, Jesus Lopez — also known as Don Chuy, Bigotes, Gaino, and to many in the community, the Long Beach Sobador.

With a heavy heart, I share that he passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025 — sooner than any of us expected.

My dad suffered his first stroke in May 2017. With strength and determination, he pushed through therapy and made a successful recovery. In June 2021, he had a second stroke, which affected his ability to speak, but once again, he worked hard and was able to walk again. Sadly, in December 2024, he suffered a third stroke, which left him unable to walk. Around that same time, he was diagnosed with liver cancer. Due to his age and overall health, doctors advised against chemotherapy or radiation. The cancer progressed much faster than we were told to expect, and just a few months later, we lost him.

We were not prepared for this heartbreaking turn of events, and we are humbly asking for help to give him the farewell he deserves. My dad was someone who always gave to others without expecting anything in return.

Many in the Long Beach community knew him as the sobador at Houghton Park — always there during the soccer games, helping injured players like a one-man medical team. He never asked for money. People came to our home with sprained ankles, dislocated shoulders, or other injuries, and he would help them — getting them back on their feet, asking for nothing in return. That was just who he was: generous, kind, and selfless.

He was a devoted husband, leaving behind his wife of 59 years, along with 5 children, 20 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. His love for his family — especially his grandchildren — was unconditional. Our home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay, and he always put others before himself.

We are reaching out now, in hopes that those who knew and loved him — or were touched by his kindness — can return the generosity he showed so many. Every donation will go directly toward covering his funeral expenses.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support during this incredibly difficult time.

— Ellie & Family