Obituary of Louis J. Oppido

Louis Joseph Oppido II Lou passed away peacefully on Thursday July 25th, 2013 at age 87. The widow of Linda Oppido, he lived in Santa Cruz County for over 65 years after being honorably discharged from the Navy at 19. Lou was born in Omaha, Nebraska and worked in the Butcher Industry for over 40 years. Lou is survived by his two sons, Mike and Anthony Oppido, and their children Luigi Oppido, Mike Taber, Patrick and Jeffery Oppido, Hilary Oppido Ibbetson, Christina Oppido Michelmore. Lou was a helper, a scientist, mechanic, and a renaissance man. He wouldn't hesitate to help anyone who needed a hand. Rebuilding classic cars, and constantly improving on others ideas and inventions, he always sought out a way to make things better. If the improvement meant better functionality of your favorite gadget, or the quality of someone's life, he was never too busy to stop and help. His warm smile and sarcastic wit could get anyone to laugh. That laughing roar would always be accompanied by a strong handshake. His devotion to family brought him through many professions, all of which he excelled at, and his love for a good fight was evident all the way to his last days. A warm smile would accompany a booming Italian voice, carrying stats or torque ratings into the workshop from a book being read in the engine compartment next door. His ingenuity was only rivaled by his love for his family. Family was everything to Louis. A Pilot, Machinist, Inventor, World Traveller, and a provider. Whether it be fixing a flat on the outskirts of Oppido Lucano, Italy, or making milkshakes at 10am with his grandchildren, Lou was a man of men, and a true friend. There will be a memorial service on August 3rd at Pacific Gardens Chapel (1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz 95062). The memorial service will begin at 11 AM