Gary S. Lopez died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Danvers, on Friday May 16th, at the age of 56. Gary was born in Malden, raised in Wakefield, graduated from Boston College High School Class of 1964 and Boston College Class of 1968. After graduating from BC, he entered Officers Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida and became a Pilot and Commissioned Officer in the US Navy where he rose to the rank of Captain. Gary flew the P-3 Orion, was a decorated Vietnam Veteran and was stationed in Washington DC, California, Texas, Hawaii, Japan and Maine throughout his career. He was the Commanding Officer of the Northern Sabers Master Augment Unit in Brunswick Maine for 4 years and after 27 years of service in the Navy, he retired in October of 1994. After his active duty in the Navy, Gary joined the FAA where he worked for the past 25 years, most recently as manager of the New England Region. He was named the FAA National Manager of the Year two times, Regional Manager of the Year four times and Mentor of the Year. This year he was awarded the Tom Fuller award for dedication to promoting careers and education for youths. He was very involved with the H.A.C.U. and providing Hispanic Americans with opportunities for careers in aviation. Gary lived in Melrose, Wakefield for 26 years and Danvers the past 8 months. He was a former member of St. Joseph's Church and St. Florence Church in Wakefield, where he served as a lecture and CCD teacher. Gary enjoyed reading, running, golfing, was an avid Boston Sports fan and has been a BC Hockey Season Ticket Holder for many years. He was a member of the Boston College Alumni Assoc.. and was very supportive of the churches he belonged to as well as the Salvation Army and many other local charities. Gary was husband to his beloved wife Christina A. (Belmonte) Lopez. Father of Scott M. Lopez & his wife Diane of Winchester, Todd D. Lopez & his wife Valentina of NY City, Chad N. Lopez of San Francisco, CA and Gina M. Lopez of Danvers. Son of Adrienne (Quinn) Lopez of Wakefield and the late Frank Lopez. Brother of the late Patricia Lopez & Kathleen Enfanto. Grandfather of Morgan Elizabeth & Trevor Michael Lopez. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Wed. May 21st at 8:30 AM. Funeral mass in St. Richard Church, Forest St. Danvers, at 10AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Tues. 2-4 & 6-9PM. Memorial contributions may be made in Gary's memory to Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute 1309 Beacon St. Boston 02446. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery Melrose.