Mystic- William King Hooper, 96, died peacefully, surrounded by family, July 3rd 2016 at Westerly Hospital
Born in Syracuse, NY, he was the son of the late Paul and Nola Hooper. Bill was raised in West Orange, NJ where he attended public school. He was an Eagle Scout, a choirboy and an accomplished athlete.
He graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1941, where he majored in mechanical engineering and played four varsity sports. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served in Panama as a Captain of the Signal Corps during World War II. He often shared his Panama stories and the challenges involved in adapting radar for military use.
His career included work at Sperry Rail Company. He was President of Republic Foil, Inc, and then
Alcan Sheet and Plate Division. He was an innovator, inventor, and the author of numerous patents.
Bill was an active volunteer throughout his life. He served on the Brookfield, CT school board
and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Vestry.
During his retirement years in Mystic he discovered a love for water color painting. Bill treasured his many years teaching painting at Pendleton Health and Rehabilitation Center, Avalon Health Center and Dean’s Mills School. One of his greatest joys was sharing his love of art as a volunteer teacher at Dean’s Mill School. Bill was thrilled to receive the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities Volunteer of The Year award in 2006.
Bill was a member of the Calvary Church Choir and the StoneRidge Chorus. Choral singing was a lifelong pursuit. He was a founding member of the StoneRidge community garden and enjoyed many years cultivating his favorite asparagus and nurturing his colorful rose garden. He shared his love of gardening with his entire family. Bill was an avid fisherman. He particularly enjoyed family fishing trips to Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and Florida.
He is predeceased by his wife Evelyn Day Hooper and his daughter Pamela Lynn Hooper. He is survived by his sister Jane MacDougall and his children Katharine Briar-Lawson, Jane Percy, Bill Hooper, and Dan Hooper, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. His family members have been painting, gardening and fishing partners and a source of much joy.
Bill was a man of many talents among which was his singular gift of optimism and enthusiasm.
Bill’s family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. David Schwindt, Westerly Hospital, Hope Hospice,
his StoneRidge family and friends including colleagues at Avalon Health Center.
A life celebration will be held at Calvary Church, Stonington at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 15, 2016 followed by a reception in the parish hall. Burial in Airmont Cemetery will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Church Music Ministry, 27 Church Street, Stonington, CT 06378, or StoneRidge Resident’s Association, 186 Jerry Browne Road, Box 1112, Mystic, CT 06355 to benefit the community garden there.
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