Joseph A. Lopes, 79, of New Bedford died Sunday March 26, 2006 at Miriam Hospital in Providence after a brief illness. He was the husband of Barbara A. (Jones) Lopes.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Americo and Mary (Martin) Lopes, he lived in New Bedford most of his life.

He attended Union Baptist Church.

Mr. Lopes was formerly employed by the City of New Bedford Wastewater Department until his retirement. After his retirement, he was employed at Wal-Mart in Fairhaven for the past 14 years.

He was a member of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the World War II Victory Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Stephen J. Lopes, of New Bedford; a daughter, Barbara "Sakinah" Abdur-Rasheed, of Providence; a sister, Esther Lopes, of New Bedford; a brother-in-law, George Jones and his wife Esther of Roosevelt, Long Island, New York; four grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Rose Texeira and Gilbert Lopes, and father-in-law of the late Muhammad Abdur-Rasheed.

His Funeral Service will be held on Friday March 31, 2006 at 12 Noon in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Peckham West Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday March 30, 2006 from 4-7 PM.