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Juan M. Lopez Del Agua, a longtime resident of Black Rock, died April 21 at the age of 80 at St. Vincents Medical Center in Bridgeport. A native of Spain, Lopez lived in the Bridgeport neighborhood for the last 40 years.
Lopez was born in Aviles, Spain, on Aug. 29, 1930. After a few years in Cuba and New York City, he settled in Black Rock while working as an exporter for what was then the Stauffer Chemical Co. He stayed with the organization as it became Chesebrough-Pond USA Co., then Unilever Corp. and finally Rhone-Poulenc Corp. before his retirement in 1995.
A talented craftsman, Lopez enjoyed spending time working with wood and fixing items around his home. He was also fond of cooking, particularly traditional dishes from his native country. He enjoyed walks along St. Marys by the Sea, and loved to play and watch tennis, soccer and baseball, especially the New York Yankees. He also loved reading, listening to classical music and watching classic films.
Lopez was also a longtime volunteer with the HMS Rose, a historic tall ship once docked in Bridgeport. As a crew member, he would take tourists aboard to teach them about nautical history.
In addition to his parents, Lopez was predeceased by a sister, Marcelina Lopez.
He is survived by his three children, Ana Trahnstrom of Contoocook, N.H., Juan Lopez and wife Deborah of Stratford, and Maria (Lopez) Lucia of Black Rock; former wife and dear friend, Pura Lopez of Black Rock; sister Nati Diaz and husband Ruben of Spain; brother Ignacio Lopez and wife Margerita of Spain; as well as five grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew.
Calling hours are scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield Center. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in St. Ann Church, Black Rock. A private burial in Aviles, Spain, will be held later this spring. Memorial contributions may be made to an education fund to be established for his grandchildren and can be directed to: The Lopez Family Education Fund, in care of the funeral home.
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