Valley State Prison mourns passing of Jose Lopez, staff member

Valley State Prison staff are mourning the loss of Jose Lopez, a program director, who passed away Sept. 27, 2026. Services will be held Oct. 2-3.

He began his state career at Coalinga State Hospital (CSH) in July 2006 as a student assistant. During his time at CSH, he was promoted to psychiatric technician. Lopez was then promoted to Kern Valley State Prison as a unit supervisor in September 2016. He was later promoted to Salinas Valley State Prison, where he served as a program assistant in the Mental Health Department.

In August 2021, Lopez was promoted to Program Director, Mental Health Department, California State Prison, Solano. He continued his career progression, promoting to Correctional Health Services Administrator at Valley State Prison in July 2023.

In March 2026, he moved over to the Department of Development Services as a program director in the Porterville Developmental Center.

“Our deepest condolences are extended to the Lopez family during this difficult time. Jose touched the lives of many CDCR employees and will be truly missed,” Valley State Prison wrote.

Viewing will be Friday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, at 9 a.m. at the Whitehurst McNamara Funeral Home, 100 W. Bush St., Hanford.

Following the funeral service, a procession will proceed to Grangeville Cemetery, 10428 14th Ave., Armona.

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