Juan Lopez, a beloved husband, father, friend, mentor, and proud public servant, passed away on April 14, 2026, at the age of 73. Born on July 25, 1952, in Puerto Rico, Juan’s life was marked by service, generosity, laughter, and an unwavering love for family and community.
In 1954, Juan moved with his family from Puerto Rico to New York, where he spent his early years. In 1969, he answered the call to serve by joining the United States Marine Corps. His dedication, discipline, and strong sense of duty remained with him throughout his life.
In 1979, Juan made Newport News, Virginia, his home. There, he built a distinguished career as a Navy Civilian Firefighter, serving faithfully for many years before retiring as a Captain in 2020. He was highly respected among his peers and known as a trusted leader, dependable coworker, and mentor to countless new firefighters who benefited from his wisdom, patience, and encouragement.
Juan was also an active and devoted member of SGI-USA, where he found community and purpose through his faith and practice.
In 1992, Juan married the love of his life, Rossi Lopez. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Juan was a devoted husband and a proud father whose kindness and steady presence touched all who knew him.
Juan embraced life fully and found joy in many passions. He loved music and dancing, fishing, hunting, and metal detecting along the beach. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to his favorite destinations, Las Vegas and Miami. A gifted cook, Juan was famous for preparing meals and cakes for his fellow firefighters and for his treasured Thanksgiving tradition of baking sweet potato pies and giving one to every neighbor.
He will be remembered for his humor, generosity, and warm heart. Juan was the kind of man who would help anyone in need, repair what was broken, and always make time for others. His kindness, strength, and laughter left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Juan was preceded in death by his parents, Namoi Cameron Lopez and Louis Lopez. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Rossi Lopez; his daughters, Kenya Lopez and Franchesca Lowery; his sons, Brandon Lopez and Deodato Lowery; his sisters, Martha Lopez and Delia Lopez; his brothers, Louis Lopez Jr., George Lopez, and Edwin Lopez; his granddaughter, Faith Anderson; and his nieces and nephews, Tamara Cumba, Rachel Moore, Eric Jeeters, Edwin Lopez Jr., Gregory Lopez, Adam Lopez, Brandon Lopez, Michelle Pratts, Ninoska Brathwaite, Najubel Bathwaite, and Naomi Edwards.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home.
Juan leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and friendship that will continue to inspire all whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
2 Comments
To The Lopez Family, The Lyons Family , Darrin and Greta(720 Mainsail Drive 90-98) would love to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of your loved one, Juan. He was truly an awesome neighbor. Asking God to give you the peace, comfort and strength during your time of loss. May Juan Test In Seeet Peace In The Bosom of Jesus Christ🙏🏾🙏🏾🕊️🕊️
I wish I could have attended the service but I was able watch online. Juan was my captain when I arrived at Cheatham Annex from Little Creek. It didn’t take long to see that Juan was a different kind of captain, and I loved him for that. One of the last times I remember spending with him outside of the firehouse was at the base Christmas Party at the Great Wolf Lodge. The firefighters closed down the party. I think the base CO was impressed. That was a fun night with so much humor and laughter. I’m sure there is some good video around of that night. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and all of those who were close to Juan. But, if there is one thing I have learned over the past few years is that we are all spiritual beings having a physical experience. We will all see each other again in a different form.