This day has been chosen as the moment when those that cherish the amazing opportunity we were given to share this earth with Joseph Lopez can come together to honor his memory and legacy. Attire: Smart Casual and incorporate some orange. Orange is his favorite color.
“The Loft”, is located on the Penthouse level of the Historic Riverview Plaza building. Just one stop from Greenwich Village The Loft is right next to the Hoboken Path Station on Newark Street.
This space is reminiscent of vintage artist lofts, roomy and adaptable. With high tin ceilings, stylish chandeliers, three walls of windows, and a wrap around terrace that puts the panoramic views of the Manhattan & Hoboken skyline as a jaw dropping backdrop.
UPON ARRIVAL The memorial service is in the Penthouse. There is an elevator attendant who is there to escort everyone to the Penthouse. You need to identify that you are there for the memorial. Please wear a mask when inside the building especially the elevator. There will be coffee, tea, soft drinks, water and baked goods served during his memorial. He loved bagels so of course we will have Bagels in his honor!
Due to COVID restrictions, there cannot be more than 75 persons in the venue at a time. As such, please consider the possibility of babysitters for small children (if it makes sense) in order to conserve the available capacity for family and friends that would like to pay their respects to our Joseph. As a result, a precautionary notice, if the capacity reaches 75 friends and family, additional attendees will not be allowed to enter unless someone else was to leave and rotate out. Covid has made this difficult for so many people across our nation who are also mourning their loved ones.
This day has been chosen as the moment when those that cherish the amazing opportunity we were given to share this earth with Joseph Lopez can come together to honor his memory and legacy.
This event will be held at the Richardson Historic Park & Preserve in Wilton Manors where Travis & Joe got married. It will be outside so please feel free to dress smart casual for the Florida heat and wear something Orange to honor Joe and his favorite color. The event will be under the pavillion at the back of the park. Limited parking is available at the park. Overflow parking is a block down and across the street at the Wilton Manors City Hall.
Due to COVID restrictions, there cannot be more than 100 persons in the park at a time. As such, we are planning two sessions at 10:30 AM and at 3:00 PM. You are welcome to either one. As a result, a precautionary notice, if the first time period reaches 100 friends and family members, you may be asked to return to this period at 3 PM. Under this pandemic and under threat of a fine, our hands are tied in this regard so we ask for respect and courtesy should we need to restrict access to the park. We are doing the best we can under the circumstances.
This day has been chosen as the moment when those that cherish the amazing opportunity we were given to share this earth with Joseph Lopez can come together to honor his memory and legacy.
This event will be held at the Richardson Historic Park & Preserve in Wilton Manors where Travis & Joe got married. It will be outside so please feel free to dress smart casual for the Florida heat and wear something Orange to honor Joe and his favorite color. The event will be under the pavillion at the back of the park. Limited parking is available at the park. Overflow parking is a block down and across the street at the Wilton Manors City Hall.
Due to COVID restrictions, there cannot be more than 100 persons in the park at a time. As such, we are planning two sessions at 10:30 AM and at 3:00 PM. You are welcome to either one. As a result, a precautionary notice, if the first time period reaches 100 friends and family members, you may be asked to return at 3 PM. Under this pandemic and under threat of a fine, our hands are tied in this regard so we ask for respect and courtesy should we need to restrict access to the park. We are doing the best we can under the circumstances.
We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Joseph Lopez. Collecting your stories, photos and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
Go to the GoFundMe Page... see moreWe created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Joseph Lopez. Collecting your stories, photos and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
Go to the GoFundMe Page for a donation to host a tennis tournament in his honor.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/funds-to-host-a-joseph-lopez-memorial-tennis-tourn?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1
OBITUARY
Our beloved Joseph Lopez, age 52, died unexpectedly but peacefully on January 23, 2021 at University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.Born March 2, 1968 in Brooklyn, N. Y. to Maria Retamar and Manuel Lopez, Joseph was a loving husband, brother, nephew, cousin, mentor and friend to so many.Having married his soulmate, Travis Bailey, on January 23, 2016, he sadly passed away on the morning of their fifth wedding... see moreOur beloved Joseph Lopez, age 52, died unexpectedly but peacefully on January 23, 2021 at University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Born March 2, 1968 in Brooklyn, N. Y. to Maria Retamar and Manuel Lopez, Joseph was a loving husband, brother, nephew, cousin, mentor and friend to so many.
Having married his soulmate, Travis Bailey, on January 23, 2016, he sadly passed away on the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary.
He is survived by his husband, his beloved pets— Cubby, Kedi, JoeLee and Teddy—whom he considered his children, his brother Louis Lopez (Diana), his nephews Andrew and Julien Lopez, his aunts Lina Manino, Sonia Retamar, Miriam Retamar and his many cousins.
Known by all who adored him as Joe, he lived a short, tremendously wonderful life. He had many traveling adventures all across the globe with friends and family, and his life was enriched by the multitude of extremely close friendships that he cherished so much.
In his retail management career, Joe was very accomplished, always striving to be the best leader and mentor to others. It was important to him to make those connections and help others be the best versions of themselves.
Joe’s biggest passion in life was tennis. He and Travis were doubles partners for nearly 12 years and won a number of tournaments together. His favorite pastime was defending Serena and Venus Williams, players he admired unabashedly. It was his love of tennis that initially brought Joe and Travis together one Sunday morning in Jan 2009 at the Courtyard Cafe in Wilton Manors, Florida.
He was a quick wit, had a million-watt smile that would light up a room, and possessed a laugh that would fill it. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, and did all the asking for directions when he and Travis were lost in a foreign country.
His heart didn’t know the limits when it came to compassion and love for others, just one of the many reasons why he will be missed very much by all who knew and loved him.
Joe was taken from us way too soon, but we can find solace knowing he will once again be with his Mom and Dad, grandparents, cousin Nicole and beloved dogs: Jessie, Martie and Chris.
Joe adored palm trees so much, which is why he wanted to move to Florida. In his last days, he was homesick for his home in Fort Lauderdale and wanted to get back to be with his plants and palm trees again. He missed them so much.
Please hug a palm tree, kiss your fur babies, tell those you love that you love them, watch or play some tennis, quote “The Devil Wears Prada” or go get lost in a city for Joe today and remember this wonderful man and the bright light he brought to all of our lives.
My love for him is eternal. The pain of his absence is great and I miss him all the time. Joe added so greatly to my life and internal happiness in a way I am not sure if he fully understood.
Joe and I have been friends for over 30 years. We had good times in NYC, Florida, New Mexico, Berlin and most recently in Morocco where we celebrated his 50th birthday. We shared laughter and tears, affection and love. We were looking forward to staying... moreJoe and I have been friends for over 30 years. We had good times in NYC, Florida, New Mexico, Berlin and most recently in Morocco where we celebrated his 50th birthday. We shared laughter and tears, affection and love. We were looking forward to staying friends forever - no matter where we would live, we were supposed to stay friends and be silly old people. He was a lovely, loving, funny, smart, authentic person and I am devastated that he no longer is around. I loved him and I miss him. My heart goes out to Travis, Joe's family and his many friends. less
These images represent how I remember Joe. He had one of the biggest, most welcoming smiles I've ever seen. He was fun to be around but he was "all business" on the tennis court. I was lucky enough to call him a friend and share many special... moreThese images represent how I remember Joe. He had one of the biggest, most welcoming smiles I've ever seen. He was fun to be around but he was "all business" on the tennis court. I was lucky enough to call him a friend and share many special moments with him that will stay with me forever. RIP my friend. less
Joe and I met freshman year of high school (almost 40 years ago) and he continued to be one of my closest friends. At graduation, Joe gave me his class picture and in the back he wrote, "You followed me for 4... moreTravis - I'm so sorry for your loss.
Joe and I met freshman year of high school (almost 40 years ago) and he continued to be one of my closest friends. At graduation, Joe gave me his class picture and in the back he wrote, "You followed me for 4 years, so here's a picture so I will be in your presence." He will remain in my heart forever. less