Anthony Peter Lopez, age 52, passed away on May 9 in Tawas City, Michigan. Tony was born on February 23, 1972 in Omaha, Nebraska completing his family which included sisters Cathy and Lisa, and parents Augustin and Marilyn Lopez.
Tony and his family moved throughout his childhood with his father’s work in the United States Air Force. His travels included Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota and McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas before landing in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he graduated from Lakeview High School in 1990. After graduation he went on to play football for the Adrian College Bulldogs (Go Dawgs!) and earned a degree in Secondary Education. Tony earned a Masters Degree in The Art of Teaching from Marygrove College and an Educational Specialist Degree in Administration from Grand Valley State University.
A dedicated teacher at Oscoda Area Schools, Tony taught health, PE, and social studies in addition to coaching football and wrestling for 25 years. Tony was also an active coach when his children were growing up in AYSO and in Little League baseball/softball. Tony’s commitment to fair play and his belief that every student/athlete should be coached to their potential made him an exceptional educator both in the classroom and on the playing field.
Tony was named The Michigan Wrestling Association Regional Coach of the Year four times and earned over 300 dual meet wins as Oscoda’s varsity wrestling coach. He influenced hundreds of wrestlers in and around Oscoda.
Family was of the utmost importance to Tony who took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and his wife. He found pleasure in even the smallest things and was always ready with a smile and a quick joke. Tony loved life and was referred to as “The Mayor” by his family because he found someone to chat with everywhere he went.
Tony is survived by his wife of 21 years, Karen, daughters Sydney, Avery and Maya and stepson Taylor Huitema. Also surviving are his mother Marilyn and sisters Catherine (Eric) Schmidt and Lisa (Brian) Bowser and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors at the Oscoda Shoreline Players Theater on Wednesday, May 15 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow. Cremation has taken place at Tony’s request and a private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Oscoda Education Opportunity Foundation or Sunrise Centre Rehabilitation in Alpena, MI.
**Please note the change of venue for the visitation and memorial service from the funeral home to the Shoreline Players Theater**
