Richard G Hopf
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Richard G. Hopf, 74 years of age, passed away on March 10, 2021 with his wife and daughter by his side. He endured a long period of failing health following a stroke in 1995. Rich was proud to call Goffstown, a community he loved, home until 2018 when he became a resident at Bedford Hills Center, a long-term care facility in Bedford, NH.
Richard is survived by his wife, Joan (Pietraszek) Hopf, daughter, Melissa Hopf of Manchester, NH, sister Evelin (Hopf) McInnis and husband Patrick of Ft. Myers, Florida, niece Ericka (McInnis) Schacht and husband Chris of Houston, TX, nephew Patrick McInnis, wife Angela and son Derek of Hudsonville, MI. He is predeceased by his parents, Gerhard and Marianne (Fechtler) Hopf and brother Reinhard Hopf.
Some could characterize Rich's life as one of challenge and hardship, but it also contained many achievements and successes. Richard Heinrich Gerhard Hopf was born in Dresden, Germany on October 12, 1946, to Gerhard Hopf and Marianne (Fechtler) Hopf. He and his family were among the many German citizens displaced as a result of WWII.
It was in 1956, at the age of 10, that Rich's family emigrated to the United States. The family was able to put down roots in the town of Phoneton, Ohio. Rich often told of his total immersion into the public school system. He was registered for school on a Friday and began classes the following Monday, not knowing much of the English language. It was at this young age that friends and lifelong friendships became important factors in his life. For the next ten years, until graduation from Bethel High School, in Ohio, and enlistment in the US Navy, Vietnam bound, he was the "people person" friends and colleagues will always remember: the high school track star, illustrator of the yearbook, member of the National Honor Society and 4H, all while juggling part-time management of a dairy farm as well as raising and showing rabbits.
Richard was proud of his time in the United States Navy, serving four years of active duty and eight years in the Navy Reserve. While serving in the US Navy Rich's jurisdiction was the maintenance, operation and supervision of the US Navy DASH Weapon System and its five-member crew, aboard the USS Hugh Purvis DD-709. This was a "highly technical system which required knowledge of specific mechanical techniques and skills as well as integrity, persistence and responsibility".
Rich met his wife, Joan, in 1969 while on active duty at the Naval Station in Newport, RI. She was finishing undergraduate studies at the University of Rhode Island and he was preparing for discharge. After Honorable discharge from the Navy in 1970, Richard moved back to Ohio for a short time, but soon realized that New England was where he wanted to be. In early 1971 he established residence in Rhode Island, became licensed as a plumber's apprentice, married Joan in August, and began his studies at the University of Rhode Island.
After graduating from URI in 1975, Rich accepted a position in life insurance sales and management with Aetna Life and Casualty which would take him to the Blackburn Agency in Concord, NH. His insurance career expanded to multiple agencies throughout New England. After his retirement from Aetna, Richard continued his insurance career with Slawsby Insurance Agency and The Minuteman Group.
In 1977 Rich and Joan built their home in Goffstown, NH. In 1980, after nine years of marriage, Rich and Joan were delighted to welcome Melissa, their only child.
During the next 18 years, Richard formed deep friendships and connections by participating in many community organizations and activities. He was a member of the Goffstown Budget Committee, GPD Diversion Program, a charter member of the Goffstown Rotary Club, and a participant in the local VFW Post, to name a few. Richard was most proud of his work with the Rotary Club, where he, along with many friends and community volunteers, brought the circus to Goffstown, created a Goffstownopoly game, complied a community cookbook, and ran a highly successful kids' fishing derby. He was involved at the inception of the project to create what is now Rotary Park. Rich also made many appearances as Santa at the annual Maple Avenue Elementary School Breakfast with Santa event. In his free time, Rich loved cooking, fishing, golfing, gardening and all things outdoors.
Although Richard suffered a stroke in 1995, which would change life dramatically, he stayed involved in the community. He contributed as much as possible to Rotary Club events and participated in other activities he enjoyed.
Rich will be thought of as a "people person" with a great sense of humor. He had something to contribute to just about every situation, whether it be lending a helping hand, supplying an idea or solution, telling a good joke, or sharing a great recipe. Most importantly, he will be remembered as a loyal friend and a dedicated husband, father, and brother.
"To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." -Thomas Campbell
Services:
French & Rising Funeral Home in Goffstown, NH will host visitation on Tuesday, March 16th from 4-7pm and a memorial service at 10 am on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. A private service at Shirley Hill Cemetery, Goffstown, NH, will be held in late Spring.
In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Richard's commitment to the Goffstown community, please consider contributing in his name to either of these local service organizations: Goffstown Rotary Club Grant Program, PO Box 533, Goffstown, NH, to support organizations that serve the local community. Crispin's House Coalition for Youth Programs such as Goffstown High School Youth Forums Challenge Day or the Goffstown Area Juvenile Court Diversion Program, PO Box 411, Goffstown, NH 03045.