WORCESTER - Frank A. Hopkins, 77, passed away on April 25, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Frank was born in Worcester, MA on April 14, 1938, the son of Frank A. and Marie (Moriarty) Hopkins.
Frank is survived by his childhood sweetheart, his adoring wife of 56 years, Frances Mary (Malonis) Hopkins, his children, John T. Hopkins and his wife Gail of Columbia, SC, Katherine M. Ritchie and her husband Richard of Douglas, MA, Patricia J. Dube and her husband David of Old Orchard Beach, ME, and Cheryl A. Dufault and her husband John of Chatham, MA. "Grampy" will forever be remembered and dearly missed by his six grandchildren; Adrienne M. Matz, Daniel A. Ritchie and his girlfriend Nicole Barney, Brian D. Ritchie and his wife Krysten, Kara Hopkins and her boyfriend Mike Adams, Charles H. "Chuck" Dufault, and Will F. Dufault. Frank was blessed with three beautiful great-granddaughters, Danny and Nicole's daughter, Callie, Kara and Mike's daughter, Kiley, and Brian and Krysten's daughter Adelyn. Frank is also survived by his sister, Jean, and her husband Donald Mahan of Charleton, MA, and several nephews and nieces.
After graduating from Worcester Boys Trade High School in 1957, Frank worked for Reed & Prince and Wyman Gordon. In 1966, he proudly followed in the footsteps of his uncle and grandfather, joining the Worcester Police Department where he faithfully served the city for 28 years, the majority of that time with the Traffic Division, Motorcycle Squad. To many of Frank's fellow officers he was, and will always, be known and respected as "A Policeman's Policeman".
Frank served in the Massachusetts National Guard, 181st Infantry Division, Company A, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Alhambra Council, #88, and belonged to Blessed Sacrament Parish in Worcester his entire life. Frank also served on the Negotiating Committee of the IBPO Local 378 and as a Peer Counselor for the Worcester Police Stress Unit.
Frank was the ultimate family man and his happiest moments in life were spent with Fran, their children, their sons and daughters-in-law, their grandchildren, and their many dear friends. Gathering together to cheer on the Patriots or the Red Sox, Frank was an expert on the grill and the life of every party. Driving down Mill Street, there could never be any question about which was the best kept and most beautiful lawn on the street, that distinction always belonged to the Hopkins'. In recent years, Frank and Fran enjoyed spending their winters escaping the New England chill in Ormond Beach, FL, highlighted by time with great friends and visits from the kids. Franks favorite saying was "Just one more". All of us who loved him dearly will always wish we had just one more day with Frank.
The Funeral will be held Wednesday, April 29 from CALLAHAN~FAY~CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street with a Mass at 10:00AM in Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant Street. Burial will be in Saint John's Cemetery. Visiting Hours are Tuesday, April 28 from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 or wwww.heart.org