Louis "Manny" Manuel Lopes

LOPES, LOUIS Manuel “Manny” of Norwood, age 74, peacefully passed on Thanksgiving afternoon, November 28, 2024, with his devoted and loving wife by his side. He was the beloved husband of Susan Mary (Gately) Lopes for fifty years. Manny is survived by his two sons, Anthony (Tony) and his wife Christy, and Louis Manuel (Manny) and his wife Laura, all of Norwood. He was a devoted grandfather to his six cherished grandchildren, Michael, Anthony Jack (AJ), Callie, Trip (Louis Manuel III), Emmie, and Leo. Son of the late Antonio Maria (Dacunha) Lopes. Manny is also survived by his uncle Silverio and aunt Celeste Araujo of Norwood; his cousins Rose McDermott of Dover and Jose Dacunha of Norwood; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, the late Diane Gately of Tallahassee, FL., Teresa Zorio of North Attleboro, Allan Gately, Denise and Stephen Curtin of West Roxbury, David and Pam Gately of Norwood, and Paul and Sandy Gately of Pawcatuck, CT. Manny was also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Born in Cova da Piedade, Portugal, Manny moved to the United States at the age of 16. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, 2nd Battalion 5th Marines fox company, where he proudly served in the Vietnam War. After his military service, Manny worked for the U.S. Postal Service, spending the majority of his career in Needham. Manny was a member of the Norwood VFW Post #2452 and former Commander. He was the founding member of the Norwood Portuguese Club and a dedicated member of the North Walpole Fish and Game Club. Manny had a love for soccer that began at a young age and he played on the Benfica Junior team in Portugal. He continued to share his passion for the game as a coach for the Norwood High School Mustangs from 1981-1989, leaving a lasting impact on the players he coached and mentored.

Manny was a passionate supporter of Norwood football for over 30 years. His love for the game began when his two sons played youth football, continued through high school, and carried on to UMass Dartmouth, where Manny and Susan hosted legendary tailgates after every home game. Manny was an unwavering supporter of his sons’ athletic careers. In recent years, his pride grew even more as his two sons became coaches for the Norwood High School Mustangs. Manny was their number one fan and proud father in every endeavor they undertook.

Manny’s final day was fittingly spent watching the Mustangs beat the Marauders, a game he had watched for years, but with even more joy in recent years as his sons coached on the Mustang sideline. With heavy hearts, the family said goodbye to their beloved Manny, Dad, Big Manny, Grampy, and Avô shortly after the game.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Manny’s care team at the VA Hospital in West Roxbury for their compassionate care and support.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 3-8pm at the Kraw Kornack Funeral Home 1248 Washington St. Norwood, MA. Funeral from the funeral home Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 10am followed by a funeral mass at 11am at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Norwood, MA. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery, Norwood, MA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Lopes Family Football Scholarship Fund, PO Box 84, East Walpole, MA 02032.