Obituary of Frederick D. Hopkins

Frederick D. Hopkins, born January 13, 1931, Fred died peacefully surrounded by family on December 15, 2020. Fred is survived and will be sadly missed by his wife, Loretta Manley Hopkins the love of his life for 68 years; his sister, Onalee Martin Gillette; his children, Lynne (Brian) Angell, Mark (Maura) Hopkins, Brent (Margot) Hopkins, Timothy Hopkins, Laurie (Bill) Halbert. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, John Hopkins and Mildred Hopkins Griswold, his sisters, Beth Konopko, Lillian Crevelling, and Elsie Gillette, and two grandchildren, Amber Hopkins and Ryan Halbert. A 1948 graduate of Penn Yan Academy, Fred went on to College at SUNY Morrisville and then left to serve his country as a Marine in the Korean War. He was a machine gun platoon leader and was awarded two Purple Hearts for his sacrifice to our country. Fred owned and operated several businesses over the course of his life, most notably The Blue Eagle and The Valley Inn Restaurant where he served as the head cook. He also ran a sawmilling business for many years. While juggling his businesses, Fred served as a bus driver for the Penn Yan School District for 28 years. Fred will be remembered for his selfless love and devotion to his family, his kindness and generosity, his wonderful sense of humor, his incredible work ethic, his love of the outdoors, particularly fishing and birdwatching. In addition, Fred loved watching football and lacrosse and spent many hours in the stands cheering on the Mustangs. Fred could often be heard whistling or singing a happy tune when spending time cooking and canning, outdoors working in his garden, or building something wonderful for his family in the barn. He had many quotes that he often said, including: "Never waste an opportunity to keep your mouth shut" and "Don't believe anything you hear and half of what you see." He was often heard quoting Ben Franklin. His unspoken rules for life were simple and served him and his family well; eat what you grow, raise, or forage for yourself, exercise in the way of physical labor from sunup to sundown, live within your means, listen more than you talk, give unselfishly and love unconditionally. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to call him husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor. A memorial service will be planned at a later date when family and friends can gather safely. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, please keep Fred's memory in your hearts and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Memories of Fred may be shared with his family and friends at townsendwoodzinger.com