Luis Aurelio Lopez

1924 - 2019

A great story comes from life itself and the story, 95 years in the making, is one of a fascinating and intelligent yet humble and dignified man who cherished his family, friends, and faith. A storyteller himself, Luis was a Christian gentleman who lived life to the fullest, which he made fuller by helping so many. His story started in Cienfuegos, Cuba, where he was raised in a loving family, educated by the Jesuits, met the love of his love, Cora, who shared his passion for dancing, and had his son, Juan. Even until his 95th year, he would share treasured stories of his wife Cora and stories from his childhood remembering special Christmas traditions, growing up hearing live music while falling asleep, and being a proud member of the rowing team and playing in the Boy Scout band. His journey to Louisiana exemplified his courage fueled by his dedication to find his family a better life. In the 1940s – 1950s he worked as a sugar chemist in both Cuba and Louisiana. After a season in Costa Rica, he came to New Iberia, LA and became the first Chief Chemist for the newly built Cajun Sugar Co-op in 1965. In the 1970s, he would work as a relief chemist at the San Francisco mill in Garyville, LA. Not many people knew, but Luis had a Doctoral degree in Pharmacy from the University of Havana, was a published author, and transitioned from a promising pharmacy career in Cuba to an exceptional career retiring as a Research Chemist at LSUMC-Pathology where he ran the GC and Radioisotope labs. For his years of service, the state presented him with the honorary title of Colonel and Aid to the Governor. What most people did know is he was a proud and loving father, husband, grandfather, and loyal friend. He was a life-long member of the Knights of Columbus, a church usher, served as Scout committee member, and loved baseball and music. While we were not ready to end the story of Luis on July 14th, we realize we were being selfish. While he is no longer here and is instead reunited with his loving wife of 70 years, Cora, and parents, Juan Manual Lopez-Cano and Carmelina Villaverde, and his sisters, Josephina and Carmelina, his spirit lives with us forever. We promise to carry on the lessons and the stories you instilled in us, treat everyone with respect, and keep the faith. His memory is treasured by his son Juan Luis, daughter-in-law Liz, and the light of his life his grandchildren Betsy and Philip, as well as countless relatives and friends in the US, Cuba, and other countries. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial gathering at St. Angela Merici Church, 901 Beverly Garden Drive in Metairie, LA on Saturday morning, July 27, 2019 beginning at 10:00 AM with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will be in Greenwood Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers your thoughtful prayers would be appreciated. The online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.