Thomas A. Lopes, 86, of New Bedford, died December 14, 2007 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital.
He was the husband of Catherine (Perry) Lopes with whom he celebrated 66 years of marriage.
Born in Fairhaven, the son of the late August and Eugenia (Alemão) Lopes, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
Mr. Lopes was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
He was formerly employed for 25 years in the sanitation department of the City of New Bedford, where he received much praise from many residents of the city for his good work and always being on time in the neighborhoods.
Mr. Lopes was an avid New England Patriots fan and made sure he didn't miss a game whenever they played on television. He developed a reputation for making the best Cape Verdean Munchupa in the area. Mr. Lopes loved his children and grandchildren.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Survivors include his wife; 4 daughters, Patricia Horner, Leonora Tourinho, Dolores Tavares, and her husband Stephen and Deborah Ramos, and her husband Lenny, all of New Bedford; a son, Thomas D. Lopes, and his wife Maria, of New Bedford; a brother, Edward Lopes of New Bedford; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late John Lopes and the brother of the late Andre Lopes, Julio Lopes, John Lopes, Albert Lopes, Anthony Lopes and Caroline Soares.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford Wednesday, December 19th at 8 AM. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Visiting hours Tuesday, December 18th from 4-8 PM.