Joseph Lopes, or as his great-grandchildren called him: 'Poppy Joe', was born on April 2, 1909 in Placerville, CA to Joseph T. and Anna Lopes. He passed away in his home at the ripe old age of 102, just 10 days short his 103rd birthday.
His father was a dairyman and owned dairy farms in Greenhaven, Parkway Estates, and Wilton.
Joe graduated a year early from Christian Brother's High School and at the time of his death was the oldest living graduate.
He moved to Wilton in 1927 where he met and married his wife of 72 years Alma Campi. She passed away in 2003. They had one son Albert Lopes, who died on Joe's 101St birthday.
Joe was active in the community of Wilton. He was the director of the Wilton Fire Dept. and involved in it for 40 years. He was also instrumental in the founding of Dillard Elementary School.
Joe was an active member of the E.G. Portuguese IDES society, as well as the Knights of Columbus and St. Joseph's Church. He was also considered a celebrity among the members of the Wilton Historical Soc.
Joe is survived by his daughter-in-law Yvonne Lopes, his 5 grandchildren, and his 8 great-grandchildren.
A rosary will be held at Herberger's Elk Grove Funeral Home on Thursday, March 29th at 6:30 P.M.
His funeral mass will be held at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church (14673 Cantova Way, Rancho Murieta, CA) at 11 A.M. on Friday, March 30th. Reception will follow in the Church Hall. Interment private.
The family is most grateful to his caregivers of 7 years Mark and Una Poraca.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the E.G Portuguese IDES Soc. or to Jesuit High School.