Mashpee Wampanoag Chief Vernon "Silent Drum" Lopez Dead At 100

CAPE COD, MA — Chief Vernon "Silent Drum" Lopez of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe has died at 100.

Lopez had served as chief since 1998, but decided to pass the title to a new chief after reaching his centennial year. A new chief is to be raised in May.

A veteran of World War II, who fought in the Normandy region of France on D-Day, and longtime resident of Mashpee long before Cape Cod became the haven for second and third homes of the wealthy, Lopez turned 100 in 2022 and was honored with a parade down Meetinghouse Road.

A spokesperson for the tribe confirmed the news with Patch on Tuesday.

"For over 100 years, our tribal nation has enjoyed and benefited from the presence of our Chief," said Chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Brian Weeden.

"Silent Drum has been a constant rock for our people, sharing wisdom and, most importantly love among his people. We will do our best to honor his life in our actions today and for future generations."

He is described as reserved but impactful by the tribal leadership. A blurb about him on the tribe's website reads:

"The soft spoken unassuming leader brought a quiet resolve to the tribal agenda. Like many Mashpeeians, "Bunny" was a nickname given to him by an aunt and most never knew his given name. The thoughtful Chief focused on issues that influenced the future of the Tribe. He was part of the leadership that guided us through the final phase of the very emotional recognition process and the membership is grateful for his steady hand. He says education and healthcare are central to the destiny of the Mashpee Wampanoag. He continues to press for attention to those survival issues."

Lopez took the mantle of chief after the passing of Vernon "Sly Fox" Pocknett. Chiefs typically hold the title until their death, but Lopez was inclined to pass it along even before his passing.

A new chief will be raised on May 6, however, just about a month after Lopez's death.

Lopez was remembered on social media by many across Massachusetts as news of death began to make its way through the community.

"Yesterday, was a difficult day. I received notice that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Nation lost thier Tribal Chief Vernon "Silent Drum" Lopez," said George Lone Wolf Thomas.

"Chief Lopez leaves us with many memories of good things of the past; Our Traditional Way of Life, Our Traditional Customs, Our Beliefs; but most of all his unprecedented in unequaled leadership for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Nation. Great Chiefs like Chief Silent Drum come once in a lifetime and we are Honored and Blessed to have known them."