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Emilio Lopez Obituary
Milwaukee - Passed away on October 31st, 2020 at the age of 70 years. Dear Husband to Maria Rodriguez. Loving father to Luisa Lopez, Juan Lopez (Lori), Loyd Guzior (Connie), the late Jacobo Lopez, Lorenzo Guzior (Leti), Israel Squires (Anna), Emilio Lopez (Autumn), the late Esteban Lopez. Loving grandfather to Antonio, Preston, Juan, Salvatore, Elisa, Mariah, Amalia, Lydia, Lorena, Ezra, Aria. Loving great grandfather to Melody. Loving brother to the later Jeannette Lopez, Louie Lopez, the late Wigberto Lopez , the late Lonnie Lopez, Jose Lopez, Luis Lopez, Carlos Lopez, the late Billy Lopez, Ricky Lopez, Kenny Lopez, Wilson Lopez.
Emilio Lopez entered this world, we imagine, on a bright sunny day, with a perfect breeze masking the warm September weather in the place he loved the most, Puerto Rico. Emilio loved his beloved island, anytime he had the opportunity he would always request to hear his favorite song be played, En Mi Viejo San Juan. In 1953, his family moved here for a better opportunity that Emilio's father, Jose Lopez-Roche, had in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up on the east side of Milwaukee, with his brothers and his sister. From early on, Emilio was always a protector starting with his sister and brothers. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1968, where he was the Prom King. He was always popular and one of his best qualities was his ability to use words to make an impact. He would say it was his looks and his crispy afro. His leadership skills became quickly recognized as he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he became President of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. In 1978, he graduated from Law school and immediately went to work making even more of an impact as the Assistant to the DA of Milwaukee. He would go on to impact literally thousands of youths during his work as the athletic director of UCC, the principal of Aurora Weir, the President of Felix Mantilla Little League, the Associate Executive Director at Milwaukee Christian Center, and the coach, mentor, advocate for thousands of student-athletes for the city of Milwaukee. His most prized possessions that he talked about the most was his family. His loving wife Maria and all of his children, whom he loved deeply to his core and talked about with gleaming pride. He will be forever missed and his legacy will continue on in all of the thousands of people that he impacted.
Services for Emilio Lopez will be held Saturday, November 7th, 2020. Visitation to begin at 9am at Witkowiak Funeral Home, 529 W. Historic Mitchell St. Milwaukee, WI 53204. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 605 S. 4th St. Milwaukee, WI 53204. Procession to Forest Home Cemetery to follow.
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Memories and Condolences
for Emilio Lopez
Sponsored by Witkowiak Funeral Home - Milwaukee.
Tyrone P Dumas
April 27, 2021
Paying tribute to a great man, father, community builder and connector, avid sports enthusiast, mentor and leader. As long as we call out his name, feel his presence in out hearts and see his spirit in many things around us; so he lives as an ancestor whom God has given additional duties and responsibilities at his right side in an upper room. May for bless your family with peace, love, patience, understanding and faith as you continue to mourn but celebrate his life and times....
Tony Press
April 26, 2021
I learned only this morning of Emilio's passing - please know my heart is open and my memories fond. Emilio and I entered law school together and he was an extremely close connection, especially that first year, as we worked hard to remain true to our values and inspirations -- to use the tools we were learning there to make things a bit better for people in the real world, especially people who were facing the real difficulties of social and economic disparities. He was a good one and I'm grateful for our short time together (I left the state a year after law school and have been back only a few times, so I doubt we saw each other after '78 or '79). Peace to the family.
Ben Johnson
November 28, 2020
Emilio was one of the most dedicated and hardest working and most talented civic minded persons I had the good fortune to be associated with while I was in politics. He will be missed but his contributions will never be forgotten.
Tyrone P Dumas
November 23, 2020
My condolences and prayers to the Lopez family as you mourn but celebrate the life and times of Emilio Lopez.
I remember him as a proud and community involved Man who worked with young people while having a great love for Maria, his family and community. May God bless your wonderful memories and experiences over the years with a great guy who always was upbeat, positive with a great smile....Regards and God Bless...
Kim Opgenorth-Williams
November 22, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I was a nanny to his children. My prayers are with you all!
Kim Opgenorth-Williams
November 22, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Marcia Suffoletta
November 20, 2020
I was very sad to hear on the news today of the passing of Emilio Lopez. My sincere condolences to Maria and family. I was a mentor to Antonio Rivera who was on Emilio’s Red Cats Football team for 4 memorable years, Emilio’s son, Emilio, was also on this team. Emilio was a compassionate, dedicated coach to these boys. Emilio walked the walk of public service to his community. A man obviously loved by all who had blessed to know him.
Irene E. Smith
November 19, 2020
Maria, please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Words cannot even begin to express my sorrow.
May your heart and soul find comfort and peace.
Rachel Rivera dela Rosa
November 13, 2020
Emilio Lopez was one of the greatest influences I've ever known. His energy, and charisma, as well as the rapport he shared with his students always pushing them to attain greater heights, and higher goals. On behalf of myself and my children, Thank You for everything, Emilio Lopez RIP
SUSAN HERNANDEZ-COCHRAN
November 12, 2020
Maria condolences on Emilio's passing. I always think of you both with great memories at UCC. I'm going to miss bumping into at different places. He will be missed.
Kathy markwiese
November 9, 2020
Maria: please accept my sincere condolences with the loss of your husband Emilio. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your beautiful family.
-Kathy Markwiese
November 9, 2020
Maria: please accept my sincere condolences with the loss of your husband Emilio. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your beautiful family.
-Kathy Markwiese
Tanner Nestle
November 8, 2020
It has been many years since I last saw or spoke to Mr. Lopez, but the news of his passing was crushing. I will never forget him and the things he instilled in me and my friends as a child in Milwaukee. My sincerest condolences to the family. Mr. Lopez is a hero.
Tim Raymond
November 7, 2020
Emilio had some great stories he shared about his life. I wish I could have seen him play softball in his earlier years. He had a great spirit about him. May God comfort Juan and all of his family & friends during this difficult time. He will be missed!
Mimi and Fred Soto
November 7, 2020
Emilio gave of himself to everyone he met. We will truly miss him and all his wisdom he shared with us. Our love to Maria and his family. Fed and Mimi Soto
Roberto Monteagudo
November 7, 2020
Even though we could not be with you in person today , our thoughts and prayers are with you Maria and your entire family . Emilio was an Inspiration to many of us and he will be missed . May you all find strength in remembering the joyful memories shared with such an incredible human being .
Diana Burgos Henderson
November 7, 2020
Praying for comfort for the family. May your hearts and minds be filled with loving memories of Emilio Monty and Diana Burgos Henderson
Christine Gutierrez
November 7, 2020
To Maria and the entire Lopez family: I am so sorry for your loss. Emilio was always kind, warm and welcoming. His laugh lit up a room. We will always remember that he was a great champion for those he worked with. We will always remember him with affection.
- Eddie and Chris Gutierrez
Renee Weise
November 7, 2020
Today will not be an easy day. A Coach is never just a coach. They are teacher, a comforter, a counselor, a mentor, a motivator and so much more. To the Lopez family, thanks for sharing your Husband and your father with the girls of Pulaski/Carmen and youth of Milwaukee.
Roberto Rivera
November 6, 2020
Vaya con Dios, compadre. Till we meet again.
Graciela Santos
November 6, 2020
Maria, very sorry to hear of Emilio's passing...
Sending you heartfelt sympathy, comfort and peace in the days ahead...
David Lopez
November 6, 2020
Uncle Boo, you will missed for a lot of things but your love of our family is one thing that stands out most besides guiding me as a young man though high school and sports. As I now am a high school coach as well, I hope to have even a small fraction of the impact you have had on youth. You will always be an inspiration. I love you!!
David Lopez
Al Castro
November 6, 2020
So sorry to hear about Emilio's passing. Having worked with Emilio for so many years at UCC, I admired his passion and advocacy for the needs and assets of our young Latinos in Milwaukee. I also saw that in his championing and advocacy as a young public defender when I first met him in an my earlier public services career. Although Emilio could never tell a good joke without ruining the punch line or dragging it out too long, he did have a great laugh and awesome smile when others told one! Milwaukee has lost a champion- but I guess God has gained one!
Maria Burgos
November 6, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. my deepest condolences.
Patricia Ruiz
November 6, 2020
Being included as a part of the family by Emilio and Maria for over 30 years is a cherished memory. We should all try to be like Emilio and create moments to celebrate, "impromptu parties are the best. "
Nice reading all the stories from people influence by him over the years. We surely are.
Patty and Daniel Ruiz
Syvell Hall
November 6, 2020
He was a man with a huge heart and a commitment to developing youth in the city of Milwaukee. It was very difficult to tell him no, because I always knew he would return with a compromise that would get the yes he needed. It was always about the kids and fairness. I will cherish the memories of our time together.
Stella Fuentes (Miranda)
November 5, 2020
My sincere condolences to Emilio's family. He was a presence that surely will be missed. His great smile, boisterous laugh, and sincere care for his community. Rest in peace
Victor Vela
November 5, 2020
Much love and condolences from Victor Vela and family. So sad to hear of his passing.
Dr Alfredo Cintron
November 5, 2020
I met Emilio while my wife was a teacher at Bruce Guadalupe School, and he was part of the leadership team at the UCC. He was a warm, friendly, and very positive individual. His laughter filled the hallways and rooms of the UCC. May God grant all his family members the strength needed at this difficult time. Rest in Peace!
Dr. Alfredo Cintron
November 5, 2020
I met Emilio while my wife was a teacher at Bruce Guadalupe School, and he was part of the leadership team at the UCC. He was a warm, friendly, and very positive individual. His laughter filled the hallways and rooms of the UCC. May God grant all his family members the strength needed at this difficult time. Rest in Peace!
Hector & Gloria Rivera
November 5, 2020
Rest in heaven Emilio a true Lincoln Comet and great friend
Our sympathy and condolences to the families
Hector & Gloria Rivera
Nao Hang-Robertson
November 4, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Coach Lopez was a coach who cares about every game rather we win or lose. Every softball game, he reminds us, he wants us to just have fun and play. We will miss a lifetime dedication coach.
Jose Vasquez
November 4, 2020
As a leader you gave respect and
You're respect will forever follow your legacy.
Sara Morales
November 4, 2020
We send our prayers and condolences for your loss. If you met Emilio, you would never forget him. May loving memories ease your loss and bring you comfort. Sara Morales Family
J Luis Lopez
November 4, 2020
My brother E! It was special when we talked as I was the older brother and I would ask why E sounded more like he was the older and smarter of the two. E gave me the strength to forge ahead with the forming of the NLPOA Milwaukee Chapter. Special individual, caring, and always ready to support his family, community, and PuertoRican heritage. Though I now have hole in my heart, I will fill it with the many memories E and I shared.
Israel Acosta
November 4, 2020
I was in total disbelief as I learned about my dear friend Emilio’s passing. He was my true friend and great supporter of my work with the kids in and out of the gym. I will miss him tremendously. He was a guy that was so much fun to be around. Not only I will miss him but the entire community as well. Rest In Peace my dear friend, Love you Israel (Shorty) & Dora Acosta
Lydia Centeno
November 4, 2020
I will miss seeing you in church with your beautiful wife Maria. God Bless you my dear friend!! It was my pleasure working with you at UCC!
Don and Esther
November 4, 2020
Just a wonderful friend meeting at Webb’s and having a beer at Papa Luigi’s with him on his birthday. Deepest Sympathy to Maria and family. Don and Esther
Vince O'Connor
November 4, 2020
I was saddened by the news of Emilio's passing and I extend my prayers and condolences for his family. I was teaching at Lincoln High School when he was a student there. He has gone, but I have fond memories of him to keep him alive in my heart.
Judge John and Judge Jean DiMotto
November 4, 2020
Jean and I extend our condolences to the entire Lopez family on the passing of Emilio.
Gabriella Hernandez (Torres)
November 4, 2020
Maria, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I will miss running into you and Emilio and catching up. I will cherish that, as well as the years spent with Emilio as a kid at UCC. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jose A. Lopez III
November 3, 2020
Uncle Boo you were truly one of a kind! I cherished all the moments and memories we have shared over the years! You helped mold the man and father I have become. I love you Tio.
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Witkowiak Funeral Home - Milwaukee529 West Historic Mitchell Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
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Witkowiak Funeral Home - Milwaukee529 West Historic Mitchell Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
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