Helio, "Macho" Oropeza, 93, was surrounded by family when he passed peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. He was born on November 11, 1931, to Joseph and Angelina Oropeza and raised on Virginia Street above his parents' Park View Grocery. He was preceded in death by his loving parents and brother, Oscar "Kaki" and sister-in-law, Dorothy; adoring wife of 63 years, Carleen; and in-laws, Hugh and Elizabeth Moore.

Macho is survived by his devoted children, Scott (Beth), Kim, Todd (Alicia); his loving grandchildren, Gregory (Lauren), Megan (Dan), Katelyn (Carter), Brooke (Daniel) and Blake (Nhi); and his eight precious great-grandchildren Cruz, Paislee, Repp, Beau, Emery, Ella, Easton and James; his brother, Danny (Chomi); and numerous nieces and nephews.

The definition of a family man, Macho was happiest surrounded by family, fishing, or ideally, both. He started fishing the shores of Key West as a young boy in the late 1930s. He fished whenever he could around Key West and countless memorable trips to Ft. Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas. He loved to recount his many stories about staying at "The Fort". With his Cuban hand line, he would effortlessly "out-fish" anyone on the boat, and he did so with a beaming smile on his face. He was approaching his 90th birthday when he fished his last trip with his sons, Scott and Todd.

Macho attended Key West High School and was voted "Best Looking" by his peers. After graduating high school in 1949, he served in the United States Navy. He and his lifelong love, Carleen, were married on October 31, 1955. Carleen and Macho were dedicated parishioners of St. Mary's Church. They loved to dance and would go dancing every weekend. In 1968, he founded McArthur Dairy in Key West and served much of the Florida Keys. A skilled builder, Macho built several boats and family homes.

Always a very generous man, at Thanksgiving, Macho would go to the store and pick out a family and stand behind them in line. When it was time to pay, he would tell the cashier to add it to his bill.

He was always ready with a joke and story. "I'm the grandfather", he proudly introduced himself. He was warm, compassionate and adored by his family and friends.

His service will be held this Wednesday, May 7 at 10:45 a.m. at The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Basilica School.