Jose M. Lopez Sr.

ALBANY Jose M. Lopez Sr., 59, died Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peters Hospital. Jose, also known as Cuty and Paco, was born on October 4, 1943 in Catano, Puerto Rico, to the late Eloy Lopez Davila and Maria Luciano Aviles. Mr. Lopez moved to the South Bronx, N.Y. when he was nine years old. In time he became visually impaired and soon lost his vision completely. At the age of 39 he moved to Albany, N.Y. where he attended a school for the blind, NABA. There he was trained to become a small engine mechanic. Later on, his family also migrated to Albany. In 1992 he retired after being diagnosed with throat cancer. He endured numerous surgeries and radiation treatments, therefore winning his battle with cancer for the first time. After such an experience, he quit smoking, a habit which had been his for over 30 years. Twelve years later, he was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer and estimated two months to live. He died at peace while his family stood by his side day by day. He is survived by his ex-wife and mother of his six children, Deborah Rojas-Lopez; his six children, Jose Jr. 32, Jennifer 31, Catherine 30 and her husband Juan, Jafet 28 and his wife Angela, Melody 19, Jonathan 12 and also by his youngest daughter Tamaraqua 7; his five grandchildren, Jennifer E. Garland, James T. Jacobs, James G. Munoz, Tatyanna Hall and Jacob Munoz; his 13 brothers and sisters; his close friend, Kay; and many nephews and nieces. The Lopez family extends special thanks to the nurses and staff of AMC Medical ICU and everyone at St. Peters Hospice Inn for their assistance and loving support during these difficult times, and to all the brothers and sisters for their support, love and prayers. John 5:28, 29 Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out; ...to a resurrection of life... Jose was known by many and will be missed by all. His family awaits him in the resurrection. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.