SAUGERTIES – Joseph C. Lopez, 69, a resident of Saugerties for 4 years and formerly of Dutchess County since 1969, died on Friday, November 25, 2011 at Albany Medical Center. He fought a valiant battle against Leukemia for six months.

Born in Sotaquira, Colombia on November 9, 1942, he was the son of Rita Vazquez. He immigrated to the United States from Colombia when he was 10 years old.
On October 1, 1966, he married Irene Soprano in Ossining. Mrs. Lopez survives at home.

Joseph worked as an Expediter for IBM in Armonk and East Fishkill for 30 years until his retirement in 1994. After retiring from IBM, he started his own business, Sharp Scissors Service, in Stormville, where he provided sharpening services for beauty shops, barbers, and grooming shops.

An avid NY Giants and Yankees fan, he also enjoyed exercising and going to the gym. After retiring, he worked at All Sport in Fishkill as a trainer. He was a very good bowler. Above all else, his family was everything to him. He was a devoted husband, father, and Poppi.

In addition to his wife of 45 years, Joseph is survived by his children, Joseph A. Lopez and his wife Carol of Newburgh and Larry Lopez and his wife Brett of Rhinebeck; his grandchildren, Samantha, Amy, Joey, Nora, and Corinne; his mother, Rita Vazquez of Orense, Spain; his brother, John Vazquez and his wife Raquel of Arlington, VA; his aunts, Aracely Regalado of Yonkers, who helped raise him when he first came to the United States, Blanca Lesmes and her husband Jose of Bronxville, and Otilia Carrusca; and several nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Calling hours will be held on Monday from 6 – 9 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 am at the funeral home followed by inurnment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605.

For driving directions, memorial donations, or online condolences, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.