Carlos LoPopolo was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 4, 1943, but spent the majority of his life in New Mexico.

He lived a life that was not easy by anyone's standards but was always full of adventure. In his lifetime, he was a rodeo cowboy, racecar driver, sheriff, fireman, teacher, rancher, business owner, has artwork that hangs in the Vatican and was the subject of a National Geographic episode called America's Lost Mustangs. He was also a published author and historian. His books ranged from how to work with Mustangs, the history of New Mexico and a children's book called Zobo, The First Mustang.

He served his country in both the Marines and the Army. His greatest accomplishment was setting up and developing two wild mustang preserves in New Mexico. If you ever met him, you never forgot him. He was kind, loving, generous, honest and compassionate. He was a friend to many, but you always knew where he stood on any subject. He was very humble about his life and would tell you that circumstance was the reason for it all.

He left this world on October 25, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Genie LoPopolo of Barlow and his brother Charles Hoard of Delaware. He will be returned to his home, his beloved New Mexico.