Manuel Lopez

Manuel Lopez, 72, of Hershey Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on April 18 2024 at home.

Manny was born in Manhattan, New York September 28, 1951 to the late Justo Lopez, Sr. and Lydia Diaz Vasquez. Manny was baptized as Lazarus at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church where he also married the love of his life, Samantha Lopez. He is preceded in death by his father Justo, his mother Lydia, his step-father Obal, his step-mother Poligena, father-in-law Theodore, mother-in-law Georgia, sister Idalina, brother Harry and sister Sonia.

He is survived by his children Cynthia (Gavino) of Orlando, FL, Ali (Thomas) of West Palm Beach, FL, Nicholas (Cara) of Dalmatia, Michael of Taiwan, Anthony of Gettysburg, and, grandchildren Kristal, Peter, Isabella, three great-grandchildren, brothers Justo, Jr., Robert, Lionel, Joe and sisters Leida and Milta, nephew Obal and multiple nieces and nephews and doggie Sammy Joe. He had a special relationship and love for his Godchildren many of whom fondly remember “THE CRUSHER” Amelia, Noah, Georgia (Zoe), Theodore (Bradley), Sofia Georgia, Marcella (Bette), Jason, Courtney (Gwen), Peter (Henry), and his Koumbaro/Godfather Timothy and Koumbara Jessica.

Manny had many loves in his life, first and foremost love for Jesus Christ, His Word and His Church and sharing it with everyone he encountered. He was a faithful member of Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church and was honored to be a reader and greeter in the church. After his wife Samantha, his next love was his homeland, the Island of Puerto Rico. He loved to share his heritage through Puerto Rican cooking, music and dancing. He also loved to make people laugh. He missed his calling as a comedian, he knew how to work a room and leave ‘em all laughing! Being the epitome of a social butterfly, he loved hosting parties at his home, social events and dressing to impress! He deeply loved people, to meet Manny was to know and love Manny… and he authentically loved YOU! He enjoyed old cowboy movies, salsa music, salsa dancing, playing congas and many other instruments. He was a Marine Viet Nam Veteran and proudly served fellow veterans as a member of the Colour Guard. Manny was an artist and worked as a house painter, where he met and fell in love with his wife on a job in Hershey, where he earned the nickname Mr. Hershey. His beautiful, colorful life will be forever cherished by all whose lives he touched, even if only briefly. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Well done good and faithful servant! AMEN!

A viewing will be held at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church on Tuesday April 23, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, also Wednesday morning from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am in the church. Arrangements by Wiedeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Oberlin.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers and support.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to one of Manny’s cherished charities: Saint Jude 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105; Saint Tikhon’s Seminary Post Office Box 130, South Canaan, PA 18459; Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church 5501 Old Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA, 17109.