Raul J. Lopez Sr. of Ormond Beach passed away on Sunday January 30 2011 at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center in Daytona Beach. The family will receive friends from 4pm-6pm on Friday February 4 2011 in The Chapel at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond 733 W. Granada Boulevard Ormond Beach FL with a Celebration of Life Service following at 6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9am Saturday February 5 2011 at The Basilica of St. Paul 317 Mullally Street Daytona Beach FL 32114. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery 143 Seton Trail Ormond Beach.



He was born on April 11 1936 in Cuba to the late Julian C. and Justina Maria Lopez. He moved to this area in December 1960 from his native Cuba and immediately began his culinary journey at the Broadway Bali Restaurant. He continued his life long love of cooking at the Tropics Restaurant until 1967 and then helped launch Julian's Restaurant where he continued to hone his culinary skill. He is most remembered as the Chef that prepared melt in your mouth prime rib and Cuban black bean soup.



Raul loved to spend time with his family and friends fishing drinking espresso or sharing a dessert. His greatest joy were the children of the family especially his granddaughter Gaby. Nothing could bring a bigger smile or melt his heart faster. He will forever be remembered for his GIANT heart and passion for life.



Raul is survived by his loving wife Bertha of 42 years; daughter Bertica Maria son-in-law Tommy and daughter Gabriella Marina Lopez Mullis of Charlotte NC; son Raul Jr. preceded him in death in 2006. He is also survived by brother Julian Lopez Sr. and wife Dora of Ormond Beach; nephew Julian Lopez Jr. and wife Sheila children J.C. Morgan and Lindsay of Ormond Beach; niece Nancy Lopez Magaw and husband Wayne children Nathan and Catherine; niece Maria "Loopy" Lopez of Ormond Beach; sister Julia Lopez-Calderon of Cuba; sister Ysora Lopez-Rodriguez (deceased) and her husband Bernardo Rodriguez (deceased) and children Sonia Dotson and husband Russell children Danny and Chris; niece Miriam Rodriguez; nephew Bernardo Jr. and niece Xiomie Budgen and husband Ray and children Kyle and Bryce; Aunt Gladys and Uncle Tito Sanchez (deceased) children Carlos Luis (deceased) and George; cousin Joe Sanchez; cousin Richard Perez; Numerous other family in Cuba; Longtime friends Carlos and Clara Gonzalez of Daytona Beach and The Maple-Thompson Family of Bunnell.



Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.