Lorenzo Michael Lopez ("Cheech"), 87 of Altamonte Springs, Florida passed away on March 18, 2020, under hospice care. A first generation American, Mr. Lopez was born on February 8, 1933, in Solvay, New York to Antonio and Bonifacia (Garcia) Lopez. Mr. Lopez was the youngest of 6 siblings, all of whom preceded him in death. Mr. Lopez attended Solvay High School and was the first of his siblings to attend college, studying at Syracuse University and earning a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. After graduation from Syracuse University, Mr. Lopez entered the Army/Officer's Candidate School, serving his country as an artillery officer in both Korea and Vietnam, and retiring after 20 years of distinguished service as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1974. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as friends and family will attest. After discharge with full honors from the military, LTC (ret.) Lopez and his family relocated to Altamonte Springs, Florida in 1975, where he attended Florida Technological University (FTU, now known as the University of Central Florida or UCF). He ultimately earned a second bachelor's degree in Education from FTU, as well as a master's degree in Education from UCF. Upon graduation from UCF, Mr. Lopez became a history teacher at Oviedo High School and, later, an administrator/Dean of Students until his retirement from his second career as an educator in 1993.

LTC (ret.) Lopez was a brave and loyal soldier, as well as a loving and devoted husband of over 50 years to his wife, Santa ("Sandy", married on July 4, 1959). He was also a cherished father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his son, Eric Lopez (Sharon) and granddaughters, Suzanne and Emily of Orlando; his daughter, Barbara Lopez More (Duane) and granddaughters, Amy Sink (Alex) and Julie Cottet (Chris) and great grandchildren, Skyler and Abigail of Winter Springs and Altamonte Springs; and, his daughter, Karen Lopez Shea (John) and grandsons, Tom and Will of Tampa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy in 2010. Without question his parenting, wisdom, integrity, guidance, humor, and friendship will be sorely missed.

His family is eternally grateful for the support and hospice care provided by VITAS Healthcare, who made his last days comfortable. Funeral arrangements are provided by the DeGusipe Funeral Home, Maitland, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations to VITAS Community Connection or Wounded Warrior Project in LTC (ret.) Lorenzo Lopez's name may be mailed to VITAS Community Connection, 255 East Fifth Street, Suite 1200, Cincinnati, OH 45202 OR Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, respectively (online donations are also available at https://vitascommunityconnection.org/ ((designate "Central Florida" location) or https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=676 )). Services are pending at this time due to COVID-19, but will be set in the future at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

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