JULIO PABLO LOPEZ

The music of Key West became a little more quiet today with the passing of one of its musicians, Julio Lopez, a native Key Wester, who passed away at his Washington Street home that he shared with his wife of 79 years, Bertha. On any given day, most family members could be found here, eating, talking or resting, as this home was the hub of all family activity.

Julio's early years were spent playing saxophone and clarinet in many of the local bands, and he spent most nights performing at the La Concha. One of his fondest memories was of the night that Louis Armstrong sat in with the band. Although Julio stopped performing in the 1950s, his love of music never died and he maintained an extensive collection of big band and Latin music.

Julio retired from the Monroe County Tax Collector's Office and was well known by most Key Westers for riding his bike to and from the courthouse daily.

Julio was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha; father, Julio Lopez Sr.; mother, Haydee Lopez; brother, Danny; sister, Ramona Knight, and son-in-law Richard Conrady. He is survived by his daughters, Cecilia Veliz (Waldo) and Olga Conrady; grandchildren, Gregory Veliz (Teri), Ramona Moret (Brian) Cecilia Gill (Norman), Stephen Veliz (Maria) and Timmy Veliz (Sheree); great-grandchildren, Jordan and Gregory Veliz, Hannah and Zachary Moret, Matthew, Christopher and Nicholas Gill, Jacob and Victoria Veliz, and Stephen and Cecilia Veliz. Mr. Lopez leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Griswold Special Care, especially Pauline and Norma, and the nurses from Hospice VNA, especially Marcia. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at St. Mary's Church.

Arrangements by Castillo and Thurston Key West Mortuary.