Jose Ramon Lopez, 83

March 30, 2025

Jose Ramon Lopez, 83, of Lancaster, PA passed away peacefully in the early morning of March 30, 2025, surrounded by family. He was the loving husband of Elba Lopez; they were married for 63 years.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always enjoyed spending time with his family. Jose was more affectionately known as “Paja” by his many friends and almost everyone else who knew and loved him.

In addition to his loving wife, he is also survived by his brothers Ramond D. Lopez of Fontana, CA, Carlos A. Lopez (wife Myrna) of Guayama, Puerto Rico, and sister Doris N. Rodriguez (husband Luis) of Patillas, Puerto Rico, and his children Jose Lopez (wife Lori) of Gloversville, NY, Roberto Lopez (wife Ruth) of Lancaster and Douglas Lopez (wife Maria) of Ocala, FL, and Lisa Hartman (husband Chris) of Red Lake, Ontario.

Jose was a long-time member of the Nueva Creación/New Creation United Methodist Church, 10W. Farnum St., Lancaster, PA (Pastor Jose E. Tirado). Jose was a laborer having in past for the City of Lancaster Streets Department, local Foundry, SACA, and the Lancaster County Council of Churches before happily entering into retirement.

Jose enjoyed working on cars, making whatever mechanical repairs he was able to do, as well as repairing whatever needed fixed around the house, a skill that he passed along to his sons. Jose especially enjoyed older cars, and he liked to customize his own cars to his unique liking and, when once asked why by one of his sons, his answer was simply “that’s how everyone knows it’s my car.” One of his son’s friends once commented that “if you look up ‘Puerto Rican Street Rod’ in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of the ‘Paja-mobile.’” Jose also enjoyed cheering for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles – Fly, Eagles, Fly! He so enjoyed Superbowl 59! He was a big fan of the late baseball great, Roberto Clemente – 21 In Right!

Jose also enjoyed playing sports, including some basketball and volleyball in his younger days. But without a doubt, his favorite sports to play were baseball and softball, having played in an AA baseball league, the Red Rose Fastpitch Softball League, and Lancaster Modified Slowpitch Softball League. Some of the teams he had played with and managed included the Kline Realtors, the Conestoga Elks, Los Atleticos (Athletics), Los Piratas (pirates), and Los Leñeros.

He also managed the Spanish Center midget-midget boys baseball team, many of the players which grew to become great baseball players. He was once recognized by an elderly baseball fan who asked, “is that Ramon, is that ‘Baseball Ramon’?” He also enjoyed managing Las Latinas, one of the teams in the Hispanic Women’s Softball League, as well as being an umpire in the leagues when needed. He was well respected and considered to be a great player, coach, and mentor in Lancaster’s baseball and softball communities. He also helped make his sons the men they are today.

Friends and family will be welcomed on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 6-8PM at Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pk., Willow Street, PA 17584. There will be additional greeting time from 10-11AM on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at New Creation United Methodist Church, 10W. Farnum St., Lancaster, PA with a funeral service to follow. Jose will be laid to rest following the memorial service at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery, 1916 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to New Creation United Methodist Church.