Paul V. Lopes

Paul V. Lopes, 63, of Tiverton, Rhode Island, died unexpectedly on Sunday July 9, 2017, in Fall River, Massachusetts. The youngest child of the late Antone J. and Emma Carreira Lopes, Paul was born on February 1, 1954 in Fall River, Massachusetts. He graduated from Tiverton High School in 1972. He went on to study percussion at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
A multitalented musician, vocalist, and performer, Paul began his career as a drummer for both pop and show bands. For the past 33 years he has been the heart of nationally renowned North Shore Acappella. His wit, warmth, and enviable tenor voice charmed local, regional, and national audiences. Paul, a member of the Screen Actors Guild, was both sound engineer and emcee for North Shore Acappella. He missed only one gig in his more than three decades with North Shore Acappela.
With Paul and his pitch pipe keeping the group on key, North Shore Acappella won the National Harmony Sweepstakes in 1991. Paul's percussion background brought precision, rhythm, and layering that enriched North Shore Acappella's repertoire. They opened for such famous fellow performers as The Temptations, The Platters, Ben E. King, Johnny Maestro, Al Jarreau, Roberta Flack, Frankie Valli, Gene Pitney, and Jay Leno. Fellow Tivertonians were delighted to see Paul and North Shore Acappella perform for several weeks on NBC's nationally televised Sing Off, where they won the praise and affection of so many viewers in 2011.
Benefit concerts for such organizations as The American Red Cross, Massachusetts Bay Chapter Food Relief, Massachusetts Special Olympics, and the Cripus Attucks Children's Center were just some of the ways Paul enjoyed contributing his talents to enrich the lives and opportunities of others.
Theologian Frederick Buechner offered this observation, "Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world's need." Without a doubt, this describes Paul. He had the heart of a performer, the highly polished skills of professional musician, and a boundless love for his family, friends, neighbors, and life itself. His friendships endured for a lifetime, no matter the circumstances or distances that intervened, because Paul nurtured all whom he met. When Paul spoke with someone he had the ability to make one feel that no one and nothing was more important to him in that moment. One came away from every encounter with Paul graced by his love and laughter. He warmed the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
In his leisure time Paul enjoyed his Harley Davidson motorcycle, playing drums, smoking a good cigar, and crossword puzzles. He regularly held court at Coastal Roasters coffee shop in the Stone Bridge section of his home town, and enjoyed the company of fellow cigar aficionados at Tiverton's Cigar Smiths. Paul's heaven will be endless opportunities for riding his bike down country roads.
Paul was deeply loved by all who knew him. Taken from us suddenly and much too soon, Paul leaves his sister Lorraine Lopes Monteiro and her husband Julius of Tiverton, his brother Daniel and his wife Barbara of Tennessee; two nephews, Daniel Jr. and David (Mimi) Lopes, niece Rebecca Sanford (Jeff), many great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and countless loving friends.
Visiting hours to which relatives and friends are invited will be held at Oliveira Funeral Home, 2064 South Main Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a service starting at 6 p.m. Burial will be private.