* Peter S. Lopez; Civic Leader, Gallery Owner

Oxnard resident Peter Salvador Lopez, the man friends called Don Pedro--known for his love of the arts and pride in his community--died Saturday. He was 65.

Born in Avondale, Ariz., Lopez served in the Navy before earning a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from Arizona State University. He later attended the University of Denver College of Law for court management and became an educational consultant for the Tucson, Ariz., school district.

In 1973, Lopez moved to Ventura. Fluent in English, Spanish and French, he founded a professional interpreting and translating service. In 1987, after relocating to Oxnard, Lopez opened Galeria Don Pedro. The gallery soon became a place where Mexican artists could display their work. He also opened the “A” Street Coffee House & Deli, which became a venue for poets.

Lopez was a member of many organizations, including the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Ventura County. He also worked with the Boy Scouts, Laubach Literacy and the Downtowner’s Assn. He recently was working to establish a board of directors for the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, a group working to promote civic pride and achievement.

Lopez is survived by daughters Debra Ann Lees of Layton, Utah, and Patricia Marie Portillo of Oxnard; sons Peter Joseph Lopez of Van Nuys, Daniel David Lopez of Oxnard and Stephen Edward Lopez of Camarillo; stepson Edgar La Pierre of Ventura; brother Charles Herrera of Modesto; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held today at James A. Reardon Mortuary in Oxnard between 3 and 9 p.m. A rosary / vigil service will be held tonight at 7:30. The funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Interment will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Peter S. Lopez to the Santa Clara Church Building Fund, 323 South E St., Oxnard 93030.

Ventura County obituaries are published free of charge as a public service to readers. Obituaries are based on information provided by mortuaries.