Peter James “Hoppy” Hopkins

Peter James “Hoppy” Hopkins, 83, of Little River, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at McLeod Seacoast Medical Center in Little River.

Born on Oct. 13, 1935, in New York, N.Y., he was the son of the late William and Rebecca (Malone) Hopkins.

He served in the United States Air Force, stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, during the Vietnam War. He received his Bachelor of Arts in 1977 from Fordham University in New York. He was a supervising counselor and mentor for over a decade at Catholic Guardian Society caring for foster boys; he loved them as his own. For seventeen years, he was a counselor and supervisor at Southbury Training School in Southbury, Connecticut; he also was a volunteer firefighter at the school.

He was a starter at the Heritage Village Country Club in Southbury, Connecticut, and the best weekend bartender at the Charcoal Chef in Woodbury, Connecticut.

“Hoppy” is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Mary Jo (Cain) Hopkins; his two daughters, Elizabeth Piel (David) of Oakville, Conn., and Mary Kate “Katie” Hopkins of Little River; his five grandchildren, David, Jason, Sean and Catherine (Piel) and Rebecca (Hopkins); his brother, William Hopkins of Long Beach, N.Y.; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Deacon Farrell (Dorothy) Hopkins and Sister Catherine “Sissy” (Eugene) Dolan.

He will be missed for his infectious laughter and his sweet caring demeanor. “Hoppy” was an avid golfer and lifelong fan of the New York Giants and New York Yankees.

There will be a private service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach, P.O. Box 3369, North Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29582.

A guest book is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com.
Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.