Pablo Javier (Harvey) Oropeza, 87, peacefully passed away Jan. 17, 2021. He was a born in Key West, a second-generation Conch, on July 25, 1934, to Pablo and Magarita Oropeza.
He graduated Key West High School in 1953, where he starred in football as outstanding offensive and defensive lineman. Following high school, he played semi-pro football in Key West, a team called the âJaguars.â One year later he enlisted in the U.S. army. He was transferred to Kyushu Islands, Japan for two years and made corporal ranking. He served in the 508th Airborne Combat Paratroopers Battalion.
Then he met his bride, Kyoko, and were married while stationed in Japan. He also played football for U.S. army while in Japan. âPJ,â or Harvey, as his friends knew him, âwas always of adventurous spirit, believed in hard work and fun play was the key to a balance life.â A few of his memorable quotes: âAny man willing to work will never go hungry;â âYou started it, yo