Eleuterio Lopez

Eleuterio Lopez, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, vecino, and lifelong advocate for his community. passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 83 years old.

Born on October 2, 1942, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to Juan Pablo Lopez and Maria Ramos, Eleuterio was the second oldest of six children. As a young boy, he moved with his siblings to New York City in pursuit of greater opportunity and education — a journey that would shape the course of his life.

It was in New York that Eleuterio met the love of his life, Aracelis Quintana. The two were married on April 7, 1973, and began building a family rooted in faith, love, and perseverance. After welcoming their first four children, the Lopez family relocated to Philadelphia, where they continued to grow, eventually welcoming five more children and established deep, lasting roots.

Eleuterio’s arrival in Philadelphia marked the beginning of a lifelong mission of community empowerment. A passionate advocate for civic engagement and social justice, he dedicated himself to uplifting his neighborhood and ensuring that every voice was heard. Never content with the status quo, he championed community development initiatives and inspired many through his unwavering belief in equity, dignity, and accountability.

To his family, Eleuterio was a pillar of wisdom, strength, and integrity. To his community, he was a voice of reason and a beacon of hope. To many, he will always be remembered affectionately as Don Lopez.

Eleuterio is survived by his beloved children: Reynaldo Lopez, John Lopez, Gizela Burnside, Melissa Lopez, Jenny Velazquez, Mindy Lopez, David Lopez, Steven Lopez, Ana Lopez, Michael Lopez, and Matthew Gomez; his siblings Judith Lopez Luis Angel Lopez and Carmen Lopez; and his cherished grandchildren: Joseph Aviles, Crystal Velazquez, Jasmine Aviles, Charles Velazquez Jr., Rebekah Colon, Hannah Colon, Shiloh Burnside, Michael Lopez Jr., Alexander Lopez, and Aracelis Lopez; great grand daughters Dior Gage and Damyla Gage. He is also survived by his sons-in-law Charles Velazquez and Terrell Burnside, his daughter-in-law Shirley Lopez, his extended family, and countless friends and neighbors whose lives he touched.

Eleuterio’s legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to shine brightly through all who were blessed to know him.