Ricardo "Ricky" L. Lopes passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the age of 64 due to complications from respiratory failure. Born on January 24, 1961, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Ricky was the youngest child of John D. Lopes, Sr. and Dorothy V. Lopes (née Sears).

Ricky is survived by his children William of Fall River, V.A. of Tiverton, his grandchildren Juno, Bowen, Hayden, William Jr., and Vesper his sister Donna Brisson of Fall River, and his brothers David of Pensacola, Florida and John of Fall River, nieces Terry Moorman of Fall River, Lisa Oliver of Houston, TX, Sarah Oliver of Cary, North Carolina and many other nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents John and Dorothy, his wife Catherine Lopes (nee Allen), his son Paul J. Allen, a daughter Melissa Freitas, his brothers Joseph, Paul and Matthew, his partners Deborah McConnell and Rachel Ferreria.

As a young man, Ricky was a talented boxer, competing in Golden Gloves tournaments across the South Coast. He enjoyed spending time on the Cape, where he would bury his kids in the sand up to their necks or spin them around in the surf—simple New England traditions that brought moments of joy despite life's challenges. Those sunny days were often paired with the familiar sounds of Keith Sweat.

Whenever someone needed help he showed up to support a friend or his family and help with navigate any issues, you might've thought he was the mayor. Ricky's decades of experience navigating the legal system proved oddly helpful; his children leaned on him for advice while studying for prelaw exams, and his grandchildren sought his guidance for traffic violations, earning him the nickname "Ricky Lopes, Esq., Legend of the Streets."

Throughout his life, Ricky worked as a skilled auto mechanic and machinist, with a natural talent for bringing machines back to life. Long before cellphones, he made it a habit to stop and help stranded motorists, getting cars back on the road more often than not. Ricky also had a knack for written words, he wrote heartfelt letters to his wife's grandmother, showcasing a hand and style that spoke of a man who might've been destined for more. Later in his years, he dedicated time to helping his community by volunteering at soup kitchens and sharing his story at recovery meetings, encouraging others on their journeys through hardship.

Though Ricky was the father of three children, he also filled that role for others who lacked a father figure in their lives. For some, he was everything they could have hoped for in a father. But one thing was certain—Ricky cared deeply for all of his kids and grandkids. If anything, it often seemed like the only person he didn't care for enough was himself. He had an uncanny ability to appear when you least expected it, always at a time when it turned out his presence was needed most.

Ricky's later years were marked by moments of joy in the presence of family. He was an avid football fan and loved spending holidays with his "grand fur children," never minding that he left Thanksgiving smelling like Deerhound breath and adorned with Husky and Malinois fur. He was proud of his children's athletic achievements for which they maintain into their 40's. His son William was a swimmer, a snowboarder and most recently a martial artist and after 30+ years his daughter V.A. returned to the South Coast becoming fixture in the women's soccer leagues, the Tiverton Youth Soccer Recreation Director and a member of the Tiverton Town Planning Board.

The city of Fall River will not be the same without Ricky. He outlived so many of his friends; He is the last of the "street legends", he challenged people's misconceptions of those down on their luck. Ricky's presence was a reminder that even in a world burdened by despair, there's always an opportunity to help. Be a helper—no matter who you are or where you stand in life, you can make a difference even if it's just with one person. As we continue to face difficult times in a country divided by "us" versus "them," Ricky's memory challenges us to hold onto our humanity. For all his faults, he embodied this lesson better than many who were in much better positions to do so.

A public visitation will be held on Sunday, March 09, 2025 from 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM inside of the Southcoast Funeral Home, 1555 Pleasant Street, Fall River, MA. A Funeral Home service will follow inside of the funeral home at 05:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ricky's memory to Steppingstone's First Step Inn, located at 134 Durfee Street.

Services are humbly entrusted into the care of Southcoast Funeral Homes "Celebrating A Life Well Lived"