Mariano "Papo" Lopez Jr

Mariano "Papo" Lopez Jr., 62, left this world on September 8th, 2022. He passed away peacefully in his home in Aurora, Co. after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Papo was the eldest of four children born to his parents, Mariano Lopez Sr. and Judith Lopez.

He was born on April 16, 1961 in Brooklyn, NY. He moved to Teaneck, NJ as a teenager and graduated from Teaneck, HS where he developed his skills and passion for basketball. After being offered a basketball scholarship out of HS he chose to serve his country and joined the United States Air Force where he served and dedicated 25 years and retired as a Staff Sergeant. He met and married his first wife with whom he had 3 beautiful daughters. Later in his life, he met and married his love, his 2nd wife, Patricia. He also went on to pursue his Masters degree and enjoyed a peaceful life traveling the world with his wife and settling into a new home in Aurora, Co. with their Dogs. Papo enjoyed playing pool, which he played with great talent, building models and spending time with family and friends.

Papo was preceded in death by both of his parents and his beloved wife, Patty. He is survived by his 3 children, Josie Nutall, Desiree Waterman and Naomi Lopez, his brothers, Luis Lopez, Jay Lopez, Ralph Martinez, John David Melecio and sister, Remey Lopez and 7 grandchildren. He also leaves behind his 2 beloved fur babies, Elsa and Willow.

In his later years, as he became ill, he was well cared for by his wife's sister, Lori. She spent countless hours making sure that he ate, that the house was taken care of and that he never felt alone. For this, his family is eternally grateful.

Papo was very loved by those who knew him. He had an amazing sense of humor and a laugh that could make you laugh, even if you didn't know what you were laughing about. He had strong principles and values and you always knew where you stood with him. He kept his doors open to anyone in need and he valued the people in his life.

On September 17, 2022, his children and family would like to invite friends and extended family to gather and celebrate his life at his home in Aurora with a family tradition, a pig roast! This will be a great time to share memories, stories and some good belly laughs as we remember what he brought to our lives. You will be forever missed Papo!