CED Mourns CTA Jonelle Lopez, 39

OCTOBER 22—Co-workers at the Pelham Bay terminal are fondly remembering a joyful co-worker who died at the young age of 39.

Jonelle Lopez's cause of death was an enlarged heart, also known as cardiomegaly, said CED Division Chair Robert Ruiz. Lopez passed away at home on October 14.

Lopez’s mother, Luz Yvette, said her son was proud and happy to be an employee of the MTA. A devoted father, Jonelle worked hard to build a better life for his children, Alyson, 15, and Alekzander, 10. She added that every day, he came home with stories from work—about his coworkers, customers, and the day's adventures—always finding humor in everything.

“That was Jonelle: a true jokester with a big heart and a bright spirit,” said the grieving mother.

Fellow union members may pay their respects at a funeral service to be held on Monday, October 27th, at the R.G. Ortiz Funeral Home at 22 First Avenue in Manhattan from 4PM to 8PM.