Manuel A. Lopez

Manuel A. Lopez (Manny), 90, of Newtown Square, PA, passed away July 31, 2026. 

Born February 7, 1936, in Havana, Cuba, he was the son of the late Venancio Lopez and Dolores Custodia Lopez (nee Rodriguez), both of whom emigrated from Galicia, Spain.

Manny grew up in Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded in 1519 and renowned for its unique architecture and historical significance as a crossroads between the Old and New Worlds. He attended local elementary and high schools before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Villanova University's Havana campus. He began his career in the chemical industry, married Aurora, and started a family. Following the Cuban Revolution, Manny emigrated to the United States in 1962 and settled in the Philadelphia area, where he completed his Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering at Villanova University's main campus while working full-time and raising a young family alongside Aurora.

Manny continued his career in the chemical industry, eventually spending most of his professional life with PQ Corporation, a company founded in 1831 that grew into a global leader of specialty chemicals. His responsibilities evolved over the years until he became a senior leader within the company's international division, helping drive successful operations across South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. During his career, he traveled to 106 countries, embracing new cultures while building businesses, friendships, and lasting professional relationships around the world. He was a true world traveler, a lifelong learner, and, in every sense of the phrase, a Renaissance man.

What truly set Manny apart was his boundless curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. He approached life with an engineer's mind, a scientist's desire to understand how things worked, and an unwavering belief that there was always something new to learn. His interests seemed endless. He enjoyed applying chemistry to cooking, cultivating fruit and vegetable gardens, maintaining and repairing automobiles, tackling do-it-yourself projects, and mastering new skills for the sheer satisfaction of learning. Whether solving a technical challenge, experimenting with a recipe, or improving something around the house, Manny brought energy, creativity, and determination to every endeavor.

Manny was also a driving force behind instilling in his sons the values that shaped their own lives and careers. He inspired his sons both personally and professionally, encouraging them to work hard, persevere through challenges, and never give up when faced with obstacles. He firmly believed that success was earned through effort, discipline, and persistence. One of his favorite sayings was that nothing in life comes for free, "not even the air you breathe." It was a lesson he repeated often and one that became deeply ingrained in his family.

Above all, Manny cherished time spent with family, friends, and especially his grandchildren. He also had a lifelong love for hunting, fishing, and exploring the natural world. He was happiest surrounded by nature, whether on a remote Canadian fishing trip, an unforgettable journey to the Arctic Circle, or one of the many adventures that took him to remarkable places across the globe. His respect for the outdoors, adventurous spirit, and ability to find joy in every expedition inspired those around him. The stories and memories from these adventures became a treasured part of his life and legacy, and he took great joy in sharing them with family and friends for years afterward.

Manny was the beloved husband of Aurora (nee Gomez) Lopez; loving father of Manny Lopez, Jr. (Shannon), George Lopez (Emily), and Michael Lopez (Sara Paz); and adoring grandfather of Will Lopez, Rachel Lopez, and David Lopez. He was predeceased by his siblings: Consuelo and Mario. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at St. Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment is private.