Julio Lopez Obituary

Julio P. Lopez PhD, age 90, of Glen Ellyn and formerly of Wheaton and Chicago, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2011 at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. Dr. Lopez was born June 22, 1921 in Cienfuegos, Cuba. He taught in the Chicago Public Schools for 28 years and at the former Immaculata High School in West Chicago. Julio worked his way through school making cigars, and personally made cigars for Winston Churchill. He received his masters from Roosevelt University and his PhD from Havana University. Prior to his own arrival, Julio sent his family to the United States for self-preservation due to the difficulties in Cuba. As an artist, he enjoyed drawing and origami. He collected coins and key chains with over 500 in his collection. Dr. Lopez was a member of the Cuban American Association; Cuban Association of Bilingual Teachers and Teachers of Spanish, holding many positions in the organization and serving as the registered agent for many years; member of the Cuban Catholic Action since he was 26 and Order of the Knights of Columbus for 30 years, holding many positions. Member of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church since 1976 where he served as an usher for 30 years. Survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Imelda; loving children, Julio of Chicago, Louis of Louisville, KY., Juan (Carmen) of Glen Ellyn, Rita (Patrick) Brosnan of Glen Ellyn and Riccardo of Chicago; cherished grandfather of 6 and 1 great-grandchild. Dear brother of Maria Estela of Regla, Cuba and the late Rafael. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation Thursday, October 13, 2011 3-9pm at Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn. Funeral services will begin with prayers at 9:30am Friday proceeding to 10am funeral mass at St. Petronille Catholic Church, Glen Ellyn. Interment Maryhill Cemetery, Niles. Memorials to Father John Joseph McKniff O.S.A. Scholarship Fund, Augustinian Missions, 5401 S. Cornell Ave., #310, Chicago, IL 60615. Arrangements handled by Leonard Memorial Home, (630) 469-0032.