More than 100 people gathered on Monday night to celebrate the life of the late David Lopes, a storied Wellington Hill resident who passed away after an illness in 2023. The specific occasion was the official naming of the historic Wellington Hill Footpaths as the David Lopes Footway.
Now fully renovated from Hazelton to Wellington Hill Streets, the footpaths were particularly special to Lopes – who had a passion for mentoring young people and, as a general contractor, was once featured on a ‘This Old House’ project in 2010.
In attendance were his wife, Darcel, children Kai Lopes-Stovell, Jelani Lopes, and Halim Lopes, and a host of grandchildren.
Lopes’ wife, Darcel, speaks about her late husband, as their daughter, Kai Lopes-Stovell, looks on and comforts her mother.
Bishop William E. Dickerson II speaking from the heart about Dave Lopes, who was his friend and in-law, while Councillor Brian Worrell and state Rep. Russell Holmes listen in.
Wellington Hill neighbor Aamir Mahdi speaks about his late, good friend Dave Lopes, and how important the restoration of the footpath was to him.
Mayor Michelle Wu said the city was excited to restore the footpaths, and to make sure Dave Lopes name was permanently attached to them.
Assisted by friends and family, Darcel Lopes cuts the ribbon on the Dave Lopes Footway off of Wellington Hill Street in Mattapan on June 30. The historic footpaths were restored and repaired from Wellington Hill to Hazelton to Walk Hill Street. Lopes dreamed of one day having even more of the footpaths restored.
Young Harlem Lopes, the late Dave Lopes’ grandson, shows off a piece of the ceremonial ribbon as the family strolls down the newly named Dave Lopes Footway on June 30.
Halim Lopes, Dave Lopes’ son, looks up after arriving on Walk Hill Street as his dad’s new sign shines behind him.
Family, friends, neighbors and elected officials stop on Walk Hill Street for a photo of the Dave Lopes Footway.
