Councilman Jon Burgess took time at the October 17th Special Presentations to honor Francisco “Frank” A. Lopez, a long-time member and chairman of the City of Homestead’s Firefighters Pension Board, and issuing a special proclamation from the City of Homestead.
Councilman Burgess said, “It’s my honor tonight to bring the Lopez family here to honor their father, husband and loved one who’s passed away recently from cancer. Francisco, or Frank as he was known around town, was a dedicated servant to the city.”
Continuing, Councilman Burgess said, “He helped us for 14 years on our pension board, nine of these years as the chairman. He never missed a meeting, even while he was sick, so I thought it was our duty, as a Council, to say thank you to his family for all he’s given to us as a city.”
Also acknowledging his loss of a dear colleague, Councilman Burgess noted, “This is hard for me, too, because he was a friend of mine.”
Councilman Burgess called Frank Lopez’s family to the front of the Council Chambers, introducing his wife, Ileana, his son, Adrian and his wife, Alana, and their daughter, Sophia.
“Adrian also serves the City now as he sits on our Planning and Zoning Board. That tradition of service has carried on from one generation to the next,” noted Councilman Burgess. He then read the proclamation, which, in part, stated:
The City of Homestead expresses its sincere appreciation and recognizes Francisco “Frank” A. Lopez for his years of service, work, and dedication to the City’s Firefighters Pension Board, while instilling the importance of civic duty, responsibility, and pride in the community.
At the conclusion of the presentation, the Lopez family and Councilman Burgess wiped away tears. Ileana Lopez said, “My husband was very proud to serve the City of Homestead. I’m very proud of him because he took it very, very seriously to give back to his community, and that’s why he did what he did.”