Chester H. ‘Chet’ Lopez Jr.

Chester H. “Chet” Lopez, Jr. 75, a well known Nashua attorney, died peacefully at his home with his family, Thursday morning, December 15, 2011.

Born in Yarmouth, Maine on August 2, 1936, he was a son of the late Chester H. and Betty (Kinney) Lopez. During his youth Chet was raised in Portland, Maine and attending Deering High School, Class of 1954 and then Colby College (1958) and the University of Chicago Law School (JD 1961). He was hired by Hamblett and Kerrigan in January 1961, where the firm later changed its name to Hamblett, Kerrigan, LaTourette and Lopez. He was one of those rare attorneys who only practiced with one firm for his entire 50 year career. He said that “I am not quite sure why, but probably for the same reasons I have been married to same lovely, devoted and often forgiving, spouse.” When asked about retirement has said, “I am not sure what the word means, I would like to continue in the practice of law as long as my physical and mental abilities permit.” He was true to his word.

Chester was the first in his family to attend college and graduate school.

Chet has been listed in the New Hampshire section of “The Best Lawyers in America” under corporate law, since its inception many years ago. He co-chaired a special committee of the NH Bar Association which created the first comprehensive revision and modernization of this state’s business corporation laws. He also served for several years as a member of the NH Supreme Court Professional Conduct Committee. He was a member and former President of the Nashua Bar Association. He was a member of the American Bar Association and fellow of the NH Bar Association. Recently the Nashua Bar Association bestowed its highest honor of “Lifetime Achievement Award” in recognition of his remarkable personal and professional achievements and to acknowledge his dedicated service to the bar, bench and public.

Very active in the Nashua community, Chet was a long time member and former President of the Nashua Rotary Club. He was former President of the Memorial Hospital in Nashua now known as Southern NH Medical Center. He served many years as a member of the board of trustees of Southern NH Medical Center and chaired the board for two years. Chet also served as the former director of the Greater Nashua United Way and served on its Community Investments Committee.

An avid golfer and curler, Chet was a member and former President of the Nashua Country Club and former President of the Grand National Curling Club. He traveled throughout Canada and the Northeast, challenging many of the today’s best amateur curlers.

Chet was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Nashua and sang in the choir. He is a former President and member of its board of directors and recently on its council to the American Baptist Churches of New Hampshire and Vermont. An accomplished vocalist, Chet was a member of the “Colby Eight” at Colby College. He also had the privilege to sing our National Anthem in the presence of former President Gerald Ford.

Members of his family include his wife, Mary L. (Jordan) Lopez of Nashua whom he married on September 6, 1958 and shared 53 years together; his three children, son Steven G. Lopez and his wife Janette of Nashua, their children Alexander and Mia, son Gary A. Lopez and his wife Theresa of Greenville and daughter Susan E. Lopez of Nashua; a brother, Wayne Lopez D.D.S. and his wife Martha of Scarborough, Maine; a sister, Judith Sikora and her husband Robert of Austin, Texas; also nieces, nephews and cousins.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Monday evening from 4-7PM. His memorial service will be held in the First Baptist Church, 121 Manchester Street, Nashua, Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. The Rev. Margaret E. Lewis, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will take place in Edgewood Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made in his memory to Home Health & Hospice Care, Attn. Development, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. (www.farwellfuneral.com).