Hector Lopez

     Hector Lopez died of heart disease and cardiac incident within his place of residence.  He was found on March 9, 2023, and was 63 years old.  

     Hector was lovingly adopted by Iris Colon as a young child.  Following his adoption, Iris Colon had three subsequent children of her own.  

    Growing up Hector was known as a loving and "cool" teenage big brother to his siblings, Gabriel and Johnny. He was a typical teenager who was fun-loving and social.  Family was always important to him, and as an adult he always reflected that he longed for a father figure while growing up. Then he discovered that his beloved mother was not his biological mother.  He learned of the heart-wrenching truth about his biological parents as he set out to find them.  The news rocked his world and sense of identity. 

    Hector was not known as a teenager who had run-ins with the law.  However, one bleak evening while socializing with other teenagers outside they were picked up by a man in his 40s who was known to be devious.  The teenagers were offerred alcohol and marijuana, while taking a ride in a vehicle.  Things escalated and a devasting tragedy ensued.  Hector and the others in the vehicle were arrested.  In the late 70s, Hector was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Everyone who knew him were in shock.  Our mother, devastated.   

    Hector's sister, Iris, was born several years later. Mother Iris, as Iris Colon will herein be referred to, continued to be a loving and doting mother.  She taught her children the importance of family, in good times and bad.  Mother Iris made sure her children all knew each other.  She was then diagnosed with cancer and died 4 years later. 

    Hector's sister, Iris, had a father who developed a fond relationship with Hector when meeting him during prison visits with mother Iris.  After mother Iris passed away, Iris and her father continued to visit Hector, and his collect calls were always accepted in their home.  Iris maintained contact and correspondence with Hector throughout her life, always knowing him to be a warm, funny, empathic and caring person - even when there were very long streches of time when Iris didn't visit - much to his exasperation.   

    Throughout the years, from time to time, various family members visited Hector as well.  These visits meant the world to him, and were like an oasis.  He was eternally grateful to those who took the time to show him that he was not forgotten.      

    Hector worked closely with the Parole Preparation Project, and thanks to their help Hector finally received good news: in 2020, after over 40 years in prison, he was granted parole.  Hector viewed this as a chance to start an entirely new and positive life for himself, devoted to work and family.  Through the help of The Doe Fund, Hector was able to acquire housing and a full time job.  Within the past year he was able to secure a studio apartment - after so many years, finally having an entire space for himself to call home.  He had aspirations to help others, especially troubled youth through mentorship programs.  He wanted to help others make right choices, meaningful choices.  Hector wanted to provide others with the guidance he wish he had as a youth facing a difficult time.  Hector also had hopes to travel, and visit with family that meant so much to him.