George Lopez

George Lopez, 46, of Fort Pierce, FL died far too young on March 30, 2023 after succumbing to ongoing health issues. He was born in Buffalo, NY on March 14, 1977 to George and Myriam (nee Martinez) Lopez. George attended Hillcrest High School in Queens, NY. Later he honorably served in the US Air Force. There were a few hobbies that always brought George so much joy. The first was handball. He was extremely competitive and loved playing on the handball court. As a younger kid, he would play on the side of the building he grew up in and would wait patiently for the older kids and adults to finish their game so he could play next. Growing up in the 90's in Jamaica Queens, everyone in the neighborhood acted like family and there was a rich variety of cultural influences. George enjoyed many genres of music, but dancehall and hip-hop were his absolute favorites. He liked to mix records during his free time- so much so that he was nicknamed DJ Lefty. When the family moved to North Carolina, George began working in the restaurant business as a server and that's where his passion for food came from. Once he moved to Florida, he went to culinary school where his skill and palate expanded immensely. He was a pure talent when it came to putting colors and aromas together to execute any entrée, and tried to deliver decadence to everyone that he made a plate for. He worked in a variety of popular restaurant chains, including Bubba Gump’s and Landry’s Steakhouse. Lastly, his all-time comfort was fishing and being out on his boat. Fishing gave him peace. George was always excited to take his nephews out to fish. If anyone went to visit him, his first two questions were always based around if they were hungry and if they were ready to get out on the boat. He would literally spend countless hours out in the ocean from sunrise to sunset up until his last days. George was preceded in death by his mother Myriam Otero, maternal grandfather Esteban Martinez, and paternal grandparents Luis and Francisca Lopez. George was blessed with a large blended family. He is survived by his daughter Tytiana Lopez; his father George (Gladys) Lopez; and his stepfather Marco Otero, and his maternal grandmother Juanita Rodriguez. George had 6 siblings: Joann (Julio) Roman; Jitara (Marshannon) Clemmons; Marco (Nanette) Otero II; Natasha Cooper; Nina (Tracy) Aitcheson; and Eric Lopez. George is also survived by 9 nephews: Jakye, Elias and Aaron Clemmons; Jahrel and Aiden Otero; Nicky and Daniel Roman, Kevin Cooper, Quentin Aitcheson; as well as 3 nieces: Gabby Roman; Emery Gomez; and Kira Cooper. He loved his cousins as if they were his siblings, including: Emily, Erica, Michael, Tanya, PJ, Jacob, Natalie and Frances and so many more. He will also be missed dearly by maternal aunts Carmen and Yolanda; and paternal aunts Miriam, Madeline, Nancy, Rosie, Evelyn; uncles Edwin, Willie, Israel, Luis and Alfredo; and numerous friends across the country. A funeral service celebrating George’s life will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 3pm at Palm Coast Bible Church, 94 Whiteview Parkway, Palm Coast, FL 32164. www.pcbiblechurch.org In lieu of flowers, our family asks that you consider donating to a local organization that assists in recovery, sobriety, and / or supports individuals and families of those battling alcoholism. Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service of Bunnell, FL is assisting the family with arrangements. www.HeritageFlagler.com

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George Lopez

March 14, 1977 - March 30, 2023