Vincent Lopez

Vincent Lopez was born in the warm tropical barrio of Rio Piedras, a suburb of San Juan, Puerto Rico to Vincent Lopez, Sr. and Carmen Rivera Lopez, joining his siblings Neftali and Evelyn.

The family moved to New York where he graduated from Roosevelt High School in the Bronx and immediately enlisted into the Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Germany, trained as a Medic. From a young age, Vincent was determined to be a “Daniel” and stand up for what he believed even when facing harsh consequences. But his dogged determination to stand for and represent God was his armor throughout his life.

 In the spring of 1976, he and his wife, Melodie, began their lives together in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada which would last for the next 44 years.He graduated in 1986 from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI, with a degree in Biology.    In the early years, they lived in the warmth of Miami and then Gainesville, Florida where he worked in medical sales. Their family grew with the arrival of Chad Jairo in 1980 and Amber-Tiana in 1982.   

Worked as Director of Development and Alumni at Forest Lake Academy (FLA) in Altamonte Springs, FL. He later taught Chemistry at FLA, both in the classroom and on the internet through their new cutting-edge virtual classroom. He would also continue to do something he loved to do—drive BIG vehicles. He obtained his Commercial Driver’s License and began driving tour busses for Disney parks part-time, enabling him to meet and greet people from all over the world and from all walks of life.  Also drove for many school events: choir tours, band tours.

 After 30 years in Florida, the family moved to Tennessee. Vincent continued to teach while working with Berkshire Hathaway Realty. He also drove Southern University’s tour busses. His calm, careful, patient, quiet yet approachable demeanor made him loved and trusted by faculty and students alike and was one of the most requested drivers.

Sudden and unexpected butsurrounded by the loves of His life, he peacefully closed his eyes for the last time, on Saturday, February 1, 7:27pm. His birthday is 7.27.48.   Devastated by his loss, they are comforted with the love and support they’ve received from so many. To carry on without him is Melodie, his constant companion who warmed his heart and life; Chad (Nicole), his truly beloved son along with his grandson Caleb, his beloved daughter “Mamita,” Amber-Tiana—the only one who could make him melt like butter in the warm sun; his brother NepthaliLopez (Neira), sister Evelyn “Cuca” Oriole (Tony), Sheila Hall, his mother-in-love whom he adored; his “little brother” Mark Hall (Millicent), cherished nephews and nieces, numerous cousins, old friends, new friends and “strangers, yet to be friends.”

When the trumpet sounds “in that GREAT gettin’ up morning,” Vincent will be able to travel farther than ever before and once more meet and greet new friends, as he often did. Adiós amable señor. Hasta que nos encontremos de nuevo. Until then, “Fare ye well, fare ye well.”

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