Luis Lauro Lopez

Luis Lauro “Larry” Lopez, 67, of New York, NY, passed away on January 7, 2026. Born in San Juan, TX on January 21, 1958. Luis relocated to New York City in 1990 where he lived until his untimely death.

Luis Lauro “Larry” grew up in the border town of Roma, TX where he spent much of his time with his grandfather, Valeriano, working the family ranch in Starr County. He attended Roma High School - Class of ’77 and was a member of the high school band where he played tuba. He attended Texas A&I in Kingsville, TX. He lived in Houston, TX and spent time in Chicago, IL prior to relocating to New York City.

In NYC, he pursued a career in the food service industry and worked for the International Hilton Corporation at the World Trade Center Windows of the World Catering Division. He went on to cook for several restaurants, corporate cafeterias, casinos and catering event companies. He worked events at the Barclays Center and was a proud union member with UNITE HERE Local 100. Civically, he spent the last decade as an avid election poll worker in NYC.

A single father, he was well-liked and it was easy for him to make friends. He was kind-hearted, always joyful and quick with a joke.

Luis Lauro “Larry” passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his home in New York City. He is preceded in death by his parents, Melva and Francisco Lopez, his grandparents Valeriano and Faustina Garcia, his uncle Arnoldo Garcia and his aunt Irma Garcia Canales. He is survived by his son, Leonel Lauro Lopez of New York City, numerous cousins and countless friends that will feel his absence.

A memorial service was held in New York on January 18th. Final arrangements are with Sanchez Memorial Funeral Home at 301 E. 2nd Street, Rio Grande City, TX. Visitation on Monday 1/26/26 begins at 3pm with Rosary at 6pm. Funeral Mass is scheduled for Tuesday 1/27/26 at 11am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 101 E. Canales Bros. Street in Rio Grande City, TX. Burial will follow at Católico de Salineño Cemetery in Salineño, Texas.

 Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Sanchez Funeral Home in Rio Grande City, TX.