Eric John Pope, 41, originally of New Bedford, Massachusetts passed away on April 22, 2022. He was the son of John “Tiny” and Heather Pope and the brother of Nila Pope.
Born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, he graduated from New Bedford High School and Lesley University.
Survivors include his parents John and Heather Pope; his sister Nila Pope, his paternal grandmother Dorothy Pope, a dear close friend Abraham Ramirez, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and close family friends.
Eric is predeceased by his maternal grandparents; Elcona Val Ford and Margaret (Dejean) Ford, and John Edward Pope.
Prior to his death, Eric was employed at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC. He was described by an official there, "as someone that understood that inclusiveness was not just about equal opportunity and making use of the talents of every employee. It was a set of values for how each of us treat others. These values make all of us better employees, better bosses and better people. It was also said that few people lived those values better than he did. Eric was a member of a number of Boards and organizations that worked toward equality for all.”
Eric, our beautiful son and brother, our hero, our kind gentle shining star was taken from us far too soon. At the early age of 21 he was elected to the New Bedford School Committee where he served two terms. He still had a lot left in the world that he wanted to accomplish. Our Eric loved life. He truly believed in the beauty of diversity, equality, justice and opportunity for all. We and the world will miss this wonderful, kind and generous man, who made us so proud.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday May 28th from 11AM – 2 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by a memorial service beginning at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford, 166 Jenney Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 (www.bgcnewbedford.org). For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.