Ralph Lopez

Ralph Lopez, 78, of Bethlehem Township died Tuesday November 18, 2008, at the Hospice of the VNA of St. Luke's, Lower Saucon. Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico he was the son of the late Inocencia Lopez. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Georgina Maldonado Lopez.

He was the owner and operator of Ralph's Cleaners of South Bethlehem for 39 years and retired in 1999. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of Holy Infancy Catholic Church, the Puerto Rican Beneficial Society, and of the Jefferson Democratic Club. He hosted the first Spanish speaking radio and TV show in the Lehigh Valley and also had his own band, the Ralph Lopez Band.

He will be lovingly remembered by: wife, Georgina; daughters, Lucy Grace Lopez, Myrna Rivera and husband Ismael Jr.; brother, Antonio Lopez; grandchildren, Sonia Finnegan, Mayra Rodriguez, Dr. Marisa Rodriguez, Rafael Rodriguez and Monica Rivera; seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Ralph Lopez Jr.; and sister, Sarah Lopez.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Ralph Lopez Scholarship Fund, c/o Connell Funeral Home or to the church.