Obituary of Americo Lopes

Americo Lopes PEABODY—Americo Lopes, 84, beloved husband of Lorraine (Mello) Lopes, died Saturday morning at the North Shore Medical Center—Salem Hospital following a brief illness. Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Alberto and Alzira (Andrade) Lopes. He lived there and lived in his youth in Portugal. He returned to the United States and enlisted with the United States Navy during World War II. Mr. Lopes worked in the leather industry for a few years. He then displayed his entrepreneurial spirit by opening up his own factory, Pioneer Tanning in Salem, which he operated for over 12 years. He was also a contractor in the construction field, and owned two fishing boats, “Two Friends,” out of New Bedford. He completed his career working over 20 years with the City of Peabody Water Department until retiring 20 years ago. Americo loved the sport of soccer, and traveling. He was a member of the Club Luis de Camoes, was the first President of the Luso-American Credit Union of Peabody. He also was a member of the Azorean Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Ghost in Peabody and the Our Lady of Help Society of Peabody. He is survived by: his wife, Lorraine (Mello) Lopes of Peabody, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage; one son and daughter-in-law, Americo & his wife Connie Lopes, Jr. of San Jose, CA; three grandchildren, Jason, Sean, and Steven Lopes all of CA; five sisters, Doriette Pacienca of Portugal, Lucinda Almeida and Alzira Bettencourt both of Peabody, Ascencao Marques of Portugal, and Carmelita Marques of Peabody; a brother-in-law, Tony Coito of Peabody, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death, besides his parents, by his brothers Antonio and Albert Lopes and a sister Maria Coito. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to his Funeral Service on Thursday Feb. 25, 2010 at 11 AM in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. location, Peabody. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 – 8 P.M. Cremation will follow the funeral. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.