Joseph M. Lopez

August 15, 1945 ~ June 21, 2024

Wallkill, NY

The patriarch of the Lopez clan has gone to rest with the angels in Heaven.
Joseph Michael Lopez transitioned peacefully on June 21st, 2024 at his home in Highland, New York surrounded by his family.

Born José Maria Lopez on August 15, 1945, he was named after his father José by his loving mother Anna Lopez (Triguero). Both of whom were native Spaniards that immigrated to the United States via Ellis Island. Joe, Joey, Yoyo, Yoyito, Dad, Big Joe, Pop, Uncle Joe, Papa Joe, Grandpa Lopez. He had many monikers and was loved by all. Joey grew up with his siblings Anthony (Tony), Arsenia (Mitzi) and Anna (Anita) in Brooklyn Heights, New York.

A hard worker, he wore many hats; his first job at 15 as a Laundry Attendant, Marine, Police Officer, Boy Scout Leader and after retirement Head of Security at the Newburgh Mall. But his greatest role was that of husband and father. Married to the love of his life on October 15, 1966. Joe met Ann Marie (Lee) through a chance encounter on Montague Street and together they raised four children. First living in Brooklyn and then settling in Upstate NY.

Joey received numerous accolades through out his time as a Police Officer. A medal of valor from the Captains Endowment Association and membership in the Honor Legion of New York. Rising in the ranks to Sergeant of Detectives he had a great number of tales to tell from his storied career. Many of them anecdotes that would leave you laughing or in disbelief. He was an officer through and through, and loved his job.
Joe was a mentor to many throughout his lifetime. Helping friends, family, coworkers and the occasional acquaintance find their path in life, heal over a rough patch, mend a squabble or just offer a shoulder to lean on. Most saw him as a father figure that they could count on.

He was gregarious and loved to talk. The more the merrier-was his motto and he thought nothing of gathering the cousins, neighbors or friends into the car and going to the beach or drive-in. No one enjoyed gatherings more than he did, always looking for someone new to share his stories and interests with.
An avid hobbyist, much to Snooky's chagrin; Joe dabbled in model building, rocket building/launching, ham radio operating, vending machine entrepreneurship, star gazing, leather tooling, coin collecting, animal husbandry, bird watching and more.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 58 years Ann Marie (Lee), his daughter Kim and her husband Salvatore Vona, his son Joseph and wife Angela (Sacchieri), his son Greg and wife Tanya (Velazquez), his son Chris and wife Sara Morrow. Grandchildren; Salvatore, Tyler, Dakota, Reina & husband Paul Lysko, Mason, Lee, Julia, Amelia, Scarlett, Nicola and namesake Joseph. Two great grandchildren; Wyatt and Luca Lysko.

A Celebration of Joe's life will be held on August 25, 2024. Details to follow.

A special thank you to family and friends who sent condolences, food and prayers. And a great big thanks to the folks who work for Hospice of Ulster/Dutchess whose support and care made things easier.

Joey will be sorely missed but his made-up words, nonsensical names and silly songs will always be remembered.

Who could forget, Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah, or the Marine Corp Hymn; "From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli." "Houston-Tranquility base here." "The Eagle has landed."