HOPEWELL JUNCTION – Joseph William Lopez, 51, an area resident since 1999, passed away on February 28, 2023. He previously lived in the Bronx.

Joseph was born in Licey, Dominican Republic on October 27, 1971. He loved working as a HVAC Technician, and was employed by Clean Air Quality Services (CAQS) in Thornwood when he became disabled and lost his ability to work.

He was passionate about computers and enjoyed coding and building them. He was certainly a problem solver never giving up until he found the answer. He had an appreciation for nature. He could spend hours with his Tree Identifier Field Book walking around seeking new things in the woods. He loved his family more than anything and would always have their backs, and let all of us know how important we were to him.

Many days we would find Joe in the kitchen teaching his sons the art of cooking and learning new techniques. He passed the torch to his son, Joseph, who impressed his dad with his grilling.

He always let his kids know how proud he was of them and that they were loved more than he could say. During his last eight years, Joe always had his two girls to take care of him. We knew that Cora was his baby and Raven was second. The girls kept him company during the day.

Our family wants you to remember to always take care of each other, live, laugh, and love. Joe would want you all to know that he is now at rest and there is no more pain. He appreciated everyone who reached out to him.

Joe is survived by his wife, Liza (Kelm) Lopez at home; his children, Ashley Meyer, Nicholas Lopez, and Joseph Lopez, Jr.; his grandchildren, Jordan and Arianna; his mother, Eladia Mercedes Taveras; his father-in-law, Helmut Kelm; his mother-in-law, Ursula Merolla; many siblings and nieces; and his dogs, Cora and Raven. Joe was predeceased by his father, Pedro Lopez.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 6-8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10 am at the funeral home followed by burial at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Joe's memory to CRPS Warriors Foundation or to your local church. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.