Celso 'Papi' Lopez

Celso 'Papi' Lopez, son of Rosa and Alberto Lopez sadly passed away on December 21, 2024 at the age of 102 in Augusta, Georgia. Celso was preceded in death by his wife Lucia Otilia Lopez in 1991. Papi was born on July 11, 1922 in Lima, Peru. He had nine siblings, four brothers and 5 sisters. At a young age his brother-in-law Romulo taught him to play the guitar and a love of music was born. Papi left home at a young age and traveled around Peru. One night a friend needed a guitar player to accompany two sisters that were to sing that night at a radio station in Cusco, Peru. Classic story, the scheduled guitarist couldn't make it, so the friend asked Celso to fill in. One of the sisters happened to be Otilia. They married in August of 1947 and sang together professionally until Mom passed away in 1991. They raised their family in Arequipa and Lima, Peru until moving to Washington D.C. then settling in Alexandria, VA. Papi was 41 years old when he immigrated to the U.S. in 1964. He came to the U.S. not knowing the language and earned a living as a musician and a carpenter. He owned a carpentry/painting business in the 1970’s and 1980’s with with his brother Julio. He was able to buy a house, put three children through college and built a network of friends and colleagues that loved and respected him. He and Mom were loved by the Peruvian and Latin American community for their contribution to keeping their Peruvian culture alive in the Washington, D.C. area. Growing up, our home was filled with music and song and lots and lots of beautiful family gatherings. Our friends also got to know Papi and knew that if he was around there would be singing and dancing that night. He was a master jokester and storyteller and his infectious smile would bring joy to all. He was always the life of the party. Papi loved learning. In his retirement he tried to learn everything about music theory. He concentrated on improving his English. He also loved teaching his grandchildren all he knew about music and soccer. In 2010 while watching the 2010 World Cup he said "this will be my last World Cup". Thankfully, he was here to watch a few more. As he got older he was hospitalized a few times and each time he would bounce back. While he was in the hospital he would serenade the nurses, so needless to say he was well taken care of. He loved to entertain. No doubt, he and his son-in-law Ray, are enjoying a little espresso with a nice glass of brandy. Papi and Otilia are together again singing their favorite Peruvian vals "Quiero Que Estes Conmigo" and that gives us comfort. We will miss him so very much. Celso is survived by his sister Renee Barnett, his sister Elvira Porras and her husband Luis, his brother Guillermo, his brother Roman and his wife Delia, his son Celso Lopez, Jr. , his daughter Virginia D'Uva, and his daughter Giannina and her husband COL (Ret) John Trakowski. He is also survived by his grandchildren by age: Alexander Trakowski (Thania), Giovanna D'Uva, Patrizio D'Uva, Anthony Trakowski (Nasim), Francesca D'Uva, and Andrew Trakowski. His great grandchildren Diego, Mateo, and Roman.