Tulio Suarez

Tulio was born in Temuco, Chile, to Rosa Clarina Verdugo Suarez and José Alfonso Suarez. He immigrated to the United States in 1965, eventually becoming a US citizen, and planting deep roots first in Indiana and later in South Carolina.

He spent more than 40 years as a discovery chemist at Eli Lilly, where he had a meaningful career and formed life-long friendships. One of his proudest achievements was independently synthesizing a compound that was later patented and brought to market as Evista.

He had a great sense of humor, often teasing and joking with those in his circle. Soccer was an enduring hobby during his childhood and adult years. He participated in an amateur traveling soccer team while in Indiana, coached at the University of Indianapolis, and refereed as a member of the United States Soccer Association. Additionally, he loved music and had a passion for opera and operatic singers, as well as the work of great classical composers and musicians, which he shared with his children.

Most important of all to him, though, were his relationships. First and foremost, his relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and also with his family and friends. He believed it was the love of God and of family and friends that created a life of “true happiness.”

Tulio is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rebecca Suarez; his children, Marcella Franseen, Monica McDowell (Mark), and Marco Suarez (Michelle); his grandchildren, Gavin, Anders, and Audrey Franseen; Nicholas, Cameron, Patrick, and Oliver McDowell; and Ruby and Talulah Suarez; and his siblings, Roberto, Fresia, and Rosa.

He is preceded in death by his parents, José and Rosa Suarez, and his siblings, Alfonso, Nilda, Rina, Hernan, and Lizardo.

A funeral service will be held in the chapel at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, located at 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC, 29609. The service is scheduled for January 19, 2026, starting at 10:00 am. Tulio will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Memorial Park following the service.