RALEIGH – Carmelo “Papi” Cruz-Lopez Sr., 81, died Saturday, March 5, 2008. Graveside services were held March 14 at Raleigh Memorial Park.

He was born Nov. 27, 1926 in Caguas, Puerto Rico to the late Juan Torres and Mercedez Lopez. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marcela Santa de Cruz, two brothers, Felix Cruz and Victor Torres, and a daughter, Carmen Ester Cruz.

Survivors include six children, Peter Figueroa (Teresa) of Raleigh, Angel Figueroa of Cape Vincent, N.Y., Carmelo Cruz Jr and companion, Juan Alicea of Raleigh, Wilson Cruz of Chicago, Ill., Michelle Cruz-Santos (Alberto) of Raleigh, and Alfonso Cruz (Heather) of Youngsville; three brothers, Mariano Torres of Kissimmee, Fla., and Julio Torres and Michael Torres, both of Caguas, Puerto Rico; six sisters, Carmen Maria Torres, Ana Hilda Torres, Paquita Torres, Felicita Torres, and Jenny Torres, all of Cagua, Puerto Rico, and Mercedez Rodriguez; and 13 grandchildren.

Arrangements by Mitchell Funeral Home, Raleigh.