Psychology professor at Cerritos College Anthony “Doc” Lopez passed away in his sleep on Nov. 19 after a sudden heart attack at the age of 59.

More than 500 people attended Lopez’ funeral, including his wife and three children, friends and co-workers that remembered him as someone who had a passion for helping others.

Lopez was a part-time psychology professor at Cerritos College since Sept. 14, 1981, but also devoted his time as the director for Family and Youth Intervention programs in Santa Fe Springs.

Earning his doctorate degree in clinical psychology, Lopez gained his nickname “Doc.” He was able to work within the city of Santa Fe Springs working as a drug and substance abuse counselor who helped by reaching out to families through intervention service programs.

His passion of helping out people in different communities led Lopez to touch many families lives with a change.

Former Sierra High School classmate and longtime friend, Joe Serrano, spoke at Lopez’ funeral service and talked about how he had made an impact with his influence within helping families recover.

“Doc touched so many families, not only in Santa Fe Springs, but Norwalk and Whittier, through his diversity and Cesar Chavez programs,” Serrano said.

Lopez’ colleague at Cerritos, Michelle Lewellyn, who is head of the mental health program, met Lopez during a meeting for mental health and started working with one another by developing policies for the federal government at a level where it improved aiding people with mental health issues and drug and substance abuse relations.

“He was great and always happy with a smile on his face. He would always have something to say to the students and really enjoyed teaching here.

“The psychology department, I think, has suffered a great loss and we all feel that. Having to replace him as an instructor is possible, but replacing him as a faculty member is just impossible,” Lewellyn said.

In the city of Whittier, Lopez was the first and only community psychologist.

City Manager Fred Latham said, “Anthony made an impact on literally thousands of families.”

The funeral took place at Sky Rose Chapel at Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary on Dec. 1.