Alfredo Lopez Cabrera

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He was a well-respected and influential political figure in Puerto Rico, remembered for his public service and dedication to his community.

Alfredo Lopez Cabrera, a devoted family man, beloved entertainer, and respected public servant, died on September 24, 2026, in Shiloh, Illinois, just two months shy of his 90th birthday.

Born on November 24, 1936, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Alfredo remained deeply proud of his Puerto Rican heritage throughout his life. He married the love of his life, Juanita Figuero Melendez, who was also from Fajardo. Together they built a loving family and shared a life rooted in devotion, tradition, and community. Juanita preceded him in death on August 7, 2025.

Alfredo, known as El Ruiseñor del Oriente, was a well-known and popular entertainer who shared Puerto Rican folkloric music with audiences in his homeland and later in New Jersey. His love for music, which could be heard on the radio program Capiña Boricua, reflected the pride he carried for his culture and the joy he found in bringing people together.

From 1985 to 1989, Alfredo served as mayor of his hometown of Fajardo. He was a well-respected and influential political figure in Puerto Rico, remembered for his public service and dedication to his community.

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Alfredo will be remembered for his music, leadership, loyalty to family, and enduring pride in Puerto Rico.

A lifelong baseball fan, Alfredo proudly cheered for the New York Yankees. After moving to the area 12 years ago, he also learned to love the St. Louis Cardinals.

Alfredo is survived by his children, Nancy (Juan Cruz Nieves) Lopez Cruz; Evelyn Lopez Figueroa of Puerto Rico; and Alfredo (Migdalia Valentin) Lopez Figueroa Jr. His family legacy also includes 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Among his beloved descendants are Nancy Adaliz Nixon (DeMario Nixon), De Mar A. Nixon, Liza Maria Baez-Kemp (Robert Kemp), Liani Milagros Dunagan (Michael Dunagan), Karina G. Dunagan, Jose Diaz, Elian Y. Diaz, Jose W. Burgos (Alba Rivera), Nilmarie Lopez Morales (Julio C. Feliciano), Alex Jandel Ramirez Lopez, Luis Colon Lopez, Yokani Melendez Lopez, Daniella Sair Torres, Keishlianny Almanzar, Susanne M. Rivera (Sherwin Rivera), Omar Rivera, Evan Rivera, Alfredo Lopez Garay (Nadja Portalatin), Gisela E. Lopez, Adriana S. Lopez, Manual A. Lopez, Carina J. Lopez, Josely K. Lopez, Mateo Alberto Lopez, Alfred Lopez (Rut Rosado), Andres Lopez, Natanael Lopez, and his great-great-grandson, Ares E. Ramirez.

Alfredo will be remembered for his music, leadership, loyalty to family, and enduring pride in Puerto Rico.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, beginning at 10 am, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, Ill. His family will share memories and stories until Noon. Burial will follow at Shiloh Valley Cemetery, Shiloh, Illinois.

Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill., is serving the family. Sign the online guest or post a tribute at www.wfh-ofallon.com.