Dr. Mariano López-Sanz, age 91, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2023. A native of Paradinas (Segovia), Spain, and a naturalized American citizen in 1969, he earned his S.T.L. (1956) and A.B.D. (1960) degrees at Pontifical University of Salamanca (Spain), his Masters and PhD degrees at SUNY-Buffalo (1974) and was named Professor Emeritus of Foreign Languages at Mississippi State University upon his retirement in 1998. His published research covers mostly Contemporary Spanish Literature. Before marriage, he faithfully served as a Roman Catholic priest in Spain and Puerto Rico. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was caring for his wife of 52 years as she battled dementia over a decade. With the help of caregivers, he was able to meet his mission of caring for his wife at home for four years until her passing. His health started to decline soon after her passing, but he was able to coordinate his own care with several of the same caregivers.
He is survived by his sons Cándido (Robin) and Teddy and his grandson Ryan who all reside in the United States. In Spain, he is survived by his sister-in-law Manuela, multiple in-laws by marriage, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Ana María Hernández de López, his mother Anastasia, his father Mariano, his brother Lucas, and his sister Hilaria (Eusebio).
The family is truly thankful to Gentiva Hospice and Generations Care with special recognition to these individuals who cared for Mariano day and night over the past few months: Shirley Townsel, Verna Stallings, Annie Tate, Carol Jones, Glenda Carpenter, Renarda Gandy, and Deshante Shannon.
30 Catholic Gregorian Masses will be offered for the repose of his soul at the Carmelite Convent in Segovia, Spain. Masses will be offered by the family at a future date in his hometown of Paradinas.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m followed by the Funeral Mass. Interment will follow at Memorial Garden Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Joseph Catholic Church funds at www.osvhub.com/stjosephstarkville/funds or the organization of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at www.welchfuneralhomes.com.
