Joseph Lopez

Our beloved Joseph Lopez, age 52, died unexpectedly but peacefully on January 23, 2021 at University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Born March 2, 1968 in Brooklyn, N. Y. to Maria Retamar and Manuel Lopez, Joseph was a loving husband, brother, nephew, cousin, mentor and friend to so many. Having married his soulmate, Travis Bailey, on January 23, 2016, he sadly passed away on the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary. He is survived by his husband, his beloved pets- Cubby, Kedi, JoeLee and Teddy-whom he considered his children, his brother Louis Lopez (Diana), his nephews Andrew and Julien Lopez, his aunts Lina Manino, Sonia Retamar, Miriam Retamar and his many cousins. Known by all who adored him as Joe, he lived a short, tremendously wonderful life. He had many traveling adventures all across the globe with friends and family, and his life was enriched by the multitude of extremely close friendships that he cherished so much. In his retail management career, Joe was very accomplished, always striving to be the best leader and mentor to others. It was important to him to make those connections and help others be the best versions of themselves. Joe's biggest passion in life was tennis. He and Travis were doubles partners for nearly 12 years and won a number of tournaments together. His favorite pastime was defending Serena and Venus Williams, players he admired unabashedly. It was his love of tennis that initially brought Joe and Travis together one Sunday morning in Jan 2009 at the Courtyard Cafe in Wilton Manors, Florida. He was a quick wit, had a million-watt smile that would light up a room, and possessed a laugh that would fill it. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, and did all the asking for directions when he and Travis were lost in a foreign country. His heart didn't know the limits when it came to compassion and love for others, just one of the many reasons why he will be missed very much by all who knew and loved him. Joe was taken from us way too soon, but we can find solace knowing he will once again be with his Mom and Dad, grandparents, cousin Nicole and beloved dogs: Jessie, Martie and Chris. Joe adored palm trees so much, which is why he wanted to move to Florida. In his last days, he was homesick for his home in Fort Lauderdale and wanted to get back to be with his plants and palm trees again. He missed them so much. Please hug a palm tree, kiss your fur babies, tell those you love that you love them, watch or play some tennis, quote "The Devil Wears Prada" or go get lost in a city for Joe today and remember this wonderful man and the bright light he brought to all of our lives.