Cecil M. "Bussy" Lopes, Sr., 84, of New Bedford passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022. He was the husband of Regina "Reggie" (Gomes) Lopes.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Avis Almy (Williams) Lopes, Cecil was a 1956 graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School, where he was an outstanding and talented football and basketball player. Following high school, Cecil played semi-professional football for nine seasons with the legendary Murphy Club after which he had a tryout with the Boston Patriots. He received the Lifelong Achievement Award from the NB Vocational Athletic Hall of Fame.
Bussy was a lifelong member of Union Baptist Church in New Bedford.
In 1968, Cecil and his older brother Matthew E. Lopes purchased New Bedford Floor Covering and Sales, Inc. and diligently built it into one of the most successful minority-owned businesses in the Greater New Bedford area. They also founded CEMAT Construction Company and were co-owners and proprietors of the Main Event, a popular restaurant and nightclub.
As a testament to his service-oriented nature, Cecil was the recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to the Greater New Bedford community. He served as a member of the New Bedford Vocational School Committee for twelve years. A Gold Life Member, Cecil supported the activities of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) New Bedford Branch. He served on the Board of the New Bedford Child and Family Services and was a patron and sponsor of many local youth and adult athletic teams.
"Larger than life" epitomized Cecil. He loved people and everyone loved him back. He was unfailingly kind and considerate, no matter what station in life. Of all of the success he achieved in his life and career, he never forgot where he came from and was deeply appreciative for everything that came his way. His friendships were lifelong and his advice legendary. Bussy was a very great man who lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed traveling, took great pride in his train set and loved to watch sports. Always a cheerful smile, Cecil was available to help anyone in need. He was humble, kind and extremely generous.
Survivors include his wife Reggie; a daughter, Deidre Lopes of New Bedford; a step-son, Keith Jackson of Baltimore, MD; a sister, Avis Britto (Peter) and a brother, Allen Lopes (Karen "Casey"), all of New Bedford; a grandson, Jarell Erving of New Bedford; a granddaughter, Unique Lopes Forde of Fall River; a Godson, Cameron M. Lopes of Seekonk; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins, whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his lifelong friend, Antone B. Cruz.
He was the father of the late Cecil Lopes, Jr.; grandfather of the late Cecil Lopes, III; and the brother of the late Matthew E. Lopes.
We celebrate his life.
His Funeral Service will be held on Monday November 7th at 11 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Visiting hours will be on Sunday November 6th from 2-6 PM. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the Boys and Girls of New Bedford, 166 Jenney St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.