Aric P. Lopez

Aric was born to Angel Lopez Corugedo and Lydia Ruiz de Porras on March 24,1927 in Cienfuegos, Cuba.

He escaped communist Cuba for the USA in 1961 with his young family with only a suitcase to his name to become a successful business and family man leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. He had an unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom, democracy and individual rights. He lived and worked in many countries with his family after leaving Cuba, always striving to make a better life for his family. He lived in Miami for many years only moving to Fort Myers, Florida the last 2 years of his life.

He graduated with a Chemical Engineering degree from the Hermanos Maristas University in Cienfuegos, Cuba. He worked in the sugar industry not only in Cuba but also in Louisiana, El Salvador, Panama, Philadelphia and Peru. He was a mentor and consultant to many in this industry.

He was successful as well in process instrumentation and control while serving as the Vice President of Latin America for Fisher and Porter while residing in Puerto Rico. Furthermore, he was an entrepreneur of sorts, having had a vegetable processing plant in the Dominican Republic and a gas station in Miami.

He was a well respected and loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He loved his family above all and would do anything for them. Everyone that knew him, loved him.

He enjoyed many things. In his younger years in Cuba, he enjoyed rowing and volleyball. He was a great billiards, dominoes and backgammon player. But above all he loved his Philadelphia Phillies. He would watch every game of the season at times yelling at the coaches if they made what he thought was a bad decision. He had countless tee shirts and hats and you could always find him wearing one of his Phillies tee shirts. He was a very kind man, funny, always a gentleman who loved music and dancing.

Aric was married to the love of his life, Lilia for 67 years and was widowed in September 2018. He is survived by his son Gordo (wife Teresita) and his daughter Margarita, his grandchildren Christopher, Careni, Camari, Claudia and Gabriella along with his great grandchildren Kai, Vanessa, Phillip Jr. and Reef and his sisters Myrthea and Sonia. He was predeceased by his son Aric Jr.(wife Ivonne), his sister Lydia and brothers Aldo, Angel Luis and Sergio.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's research hospital in his name. This charity was very close and dear to his heart.