On Friday, May 7, 2021 our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend took his last breath. Luis Emilio Botero was the pillar, the strength, the light, and the love of our home. To our family he was our Papi, Papito and Mijo, as our mom would like to call him. To many others, he was Don Emilio of Emilio’s Tools, a staple in the Hispanic community. He was admired by many because of the hardware store he established more than 25 years ago on Crows Landing Road in Modesto, CA. He poured his heart and soul into his business, motivating and encouraging everyone around him. Emilio’s Tools is his business legacy that will continue with his two sons, Luis Emilio Jr. and Israel.
Born in Pueblo Rico, Colombia on a sunny July 28,1944, Don Emilio was always proud of being a businessman and entrepreneur. Family members, friends and even clients would gladly listen to his advice on how to succeed in the business world, but most importantly on how to live life to the fullest.
Our Papi would literally light-up any room and would put a smile on everyone’s face with his repertoire of Spanish jokes. Luis Emilio loved to travel the world, drink good wine, was an avid reader and extremely knowledgeable on world events. His most proud possession however was his family.
Words cannot describe the loss that our family feels. His beautiful life was taken from us by an aggressive liver cancer that none of us knew he had until just a few weeks ago. The pain is unbearable but the love we have for our Papi, Papito and Mijo will forever live in our hearts. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Blanca Lilia, a daughter, two sons and 5 grandchildren. His grandkids were his everything and would always call them “my best friends.” We love you Papi!
Lakewood Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Botero Family. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2021 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm at Lakewood’s Private Estate Garden. Rosary will begin that same day at 4:00pm and will conclude the service. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1813 Oakdale Rd, Modesto, CA 95355 beginning at 10:00am.
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