Devoted father, husband, and musician, Joe Angelo Lopez, Sr., age 82, of Austin, Texas, was called by our Heavenly Father on Thursday, September 15, 2016. He passed away peacefully at home with his four beloved children at his bedside. Joe was born on August 2, 1934, and was a lifelong resident of East Austin. His passion for music started at the age of nine when his older brother, Sylvester "Silver", taught him how to play basic chords on the guitar. He soon fell in love with the music of Mexico and he dedicated his life to preserving the culture. Joe played his guitarrón, a large six-string bass guitar he called “Gordy”, with popular mariachi groups for nearly 50 years. He was a founding member of Austin’s first mariachi band, “Mariachi Los Paisanos” in the mid-1960s. In November 1964 they had the honor to perform for President Lyndon B. Johnson at an election party. Joe was also a founding member of Mariachi Estrella, a well-known eight-piece band, which eventually included his son, Joe, Jr. on trumpet. One of their fans was State Representative J.J. “Jake” Pickle, who invited the group to Washington, D.C. to play for President Jimmy Carter’s “Salute to Congress” at the White House in June 1980. Joe also cofounded "Los Tres Amigos y Pepe" in the 1960s, a quartet that played in the style of the trio troubadours. He was particularly fond of their serenata gigs, where they would perform serenades on Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, often booked from morning until night. His music could be enjoyed over the years at countless private parties, community events, and standing gigs at many Austin restaurants, including El Gallo, Jalisco Bar, Fonda San Miguel, Nuevo Léon, Tío Tito’s, and Casa Maria. Joe and the love of his life, Trini, were married in 1959 and bought a house in 1960. For the next five decades, their home would be a hub of activity and hospitality, the place where extended family would meet for celebrations, holidays, and Mariachi practices and jam sessions. Trini and Joe took great pride in their home and they were always ready to welcome friends and family on a moment’s notice. Joe's childhood home at 69 Rainey Street, is now a restaurant and bar which has on display two photographs of him dressed in full mariachi regalia. He took pride in the effort involved to acquire an authentic, well-made traje, the classic outfit of the Jalisco charro (cowboy). His first traje was made in Laredo by a master tailor and the silver ornamental buttons were designed by a master craftsman. A photograph of Los Tres Amigos y Pepe is also displayed at El Gallo restaurant. Joe attended Palm School and graduated from Austin High School in 1953. He was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-1959. Joe retired from Dresser Wayne after 20 years of employment. Joe will be remembered as a reliable family man, always eager to help when called upon. He was also known for his artistic handwriting on cards and letters, and for taking every opportunity to encourage and praise his loved ones with his thoughtful and positive words on Facebook, up until his last days. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Trinidad Lopez; his parents, Daniel and Lucille “Lucy” Villalpando; and his brother, Sylvester “Silver” Lopez. Joe is survived by his beloved children, Renee Lopez, Joe A. Lopez, Jr. and wife, Kelly, Mary Jane Lopez-Olivas and husband, Paul, and Richard Lopez and wife, Monica; six grandchildren and one great grandchild; his brothers Paul Lopez, of Amarillo, and David Villalpando, of Austin, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2016with Recitation of Holy Rosary beginning at6:00 p.m., Mission Funeral Home Serenity Chapel, 6204 S. First St., Austin, Texas. A Cremation Burial will take place at a later date. The family asks fellow mariachis to wear their traje in honor of the music and the mariachi family he held so dear. Please visit www.missionmemorials.com to order flowers, leave condolences, and get updated burial information for Joe.