Papo… our Uncle. You are going to be so missed. In the few years that I really got to know you, you held a special place in my heart. Got to celebrate mikey and I’s marriage with us and got to meet our son. We love you and pray that you rest in paradise. God bless you always Papo! 

Luis is my cousin, and he was an adult when I was a little kid back in the '70s and '80s. He was always kind to me and he called me, "Squirrel".

I found him funny, interesting, and tall. He used to listen to some radio talk show - back in the '70s - and I know it wasn't necessarily child friendly. I don't remember it, but I knew that the radio guy's handle was, "Installment". I used to say - "Stupid Installment" and he got such a kick out of that. He would just laugh and laugh. I vaguely remember that he recorded me saying it because he found it so cute and amusing. One time he was listening to Henry Mancini's theme of the Pink Panther and I performed a spontaneous dance to it which he raved about and said was actually spot on and brilliant. I always thought he had cool taste in music and clothes and decorations. He loved New York City, classy stuff, and Garfield the cat.

One of the things about Luis was his love and devotion for every member of his family. He revered his family. He loved Puerto Rico, the place where many of us were either born or where our parents were born and where so many of us longed to go to be with loved ones. He was very proud of Puerto Rican youth and would visit colleges and speak to them and recruit them for jobs - He was incredibly devoted to his mother and to my parents who were so special to him. He was devastated by the loss of my dad because my father was truly a second father to him. My father loved him like a son. I guess you could say that Luis was practically a brother to me in that sense.

We didn't always get along, and that's just the way it goes with family, because we disagreed about certain things. But I loved him. I made sure to tell him. The one time we actually had an argument, and we were estranged, I wrote him a letter and told him how much I cared for him and how much I loved him and that none of our differences actually mattered to me at all. Everything was good after that. Not that I got to see him. And that makes me so sad and frustrated. I hated that we were so far apart.

I truly believe in heavenly reunions. I can't wait to see him again.

It is hard to believe that I will never get another text from Luis, saying, "hey cuz", or hear his voice. I have fond memories of going out to dinner with Luis and our family (Pete's Tavern was great!), and talking about jazz or his favorite musicians. Moons ago, I first heard of Johnny Pacheco through Luis. My husband and I would go to his and Wendy's place, and he'd throw on some great jazz music. And whenever I listen to songs by "Ol Blue Eyes", or Luther Vandross to name a few, I am reminded of my cuz. I will also treasure the memories of activities or places we visited with family...Madam Tussauds, Coney Island, the Circle Line Cruise. I will never forget, how he flew his mom, my Tia Nieve, over from Puerto Rico, so that they could all attend my wedding and share with family. That was almost 22 years ago, but we will never forget Luis, Wendy and Nieve sharing in our special day. Cuz...may you find peace now in heaven with your loved ones. I will miss you! Love, your cousin, Zaida

My deepest condolences to family and friends of this good hearted man. His presence in the lives of others with his helping spirit was greatly appreciated!

We talked about music ALL THE TIME.  Luther Vandross" Never too much." I cant listen to that song the same anymore. Lopez, fix your shirt.

My sincere condolences
Lopez was a good man and will be truly missed

Luis worked at OCME and was a special person who uplifted the room when he walked in.  We loved his stories especially about Betty (his dog) and his wisdom on life.  He will truly be missed! 🙏🏽

My condolences to the family and his good friends That really appreciated his knowledge wisdom and Sincere friendship May Luis Manuel Lopez Papo Rest In Peace 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼☮️ 

I’m so sorry to hear that Luis passed away I’m just hearing it today 2/17/22. 

My condolences to the family he’s going to be missed🙏🏼

Luis always concerned about the youth and his community and always trying to find ways on how to make it better for the betterment of all…

 May Luis Manuel Lopez “Papo” Rest In Peace and may he continue his endeavors wherever he goes he will make sure to make a difference. 

Sincerely  Mildred R. Martinez Much love ❤️going your way and thank you for being a friend until we cross paths again…

😘💨❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼😇