George R Hopkins

George R. Hopkins, 82 years of age, passed away on December 17th, 2023 at his Staten Island home, surrounded by his loving family. George, a true New Yorker, was born in Brooklyn to parents Mildred (nee Middlemiss) and George Hopkins. He grew up in the Bronx, met his wife in Manhattan, lived in Queens when first married, then moved to their home Prince's Bay in 1969, where they raised their family and created so many beautiful memories together. George attended Iona College where he received a degree in English before joining the United States Marine Corps, serving as a Sergeant on active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He went on to serve for over 35 years as a beloved and respected educator in New York City public schools, the majority of time in the English Department at Susan Wagner High School, where he also served as Assistant Principal. Additionally, he taught at St. John's University, Middlesex College, Columbia Teachers College, within a high school in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and as a driver's education teacher. He went on to receive his master's degree in English from City College of New York, and a certificate in school administration and supervision from the former Richmond College. Mr. Hopkins' passion for reading, writing, and the English language was apparent to all who knew him, within the classroom and beyond. He has led writing workshops for poets and writers through the Noble Maritime Museum, the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, and the Community Agency for Senior Citizens, winning multiple awards for poetry, writing, community service, and television production. He was the author of several published books, including one book of his own poetry and nine mystery novels based on Staten Island, and published several essays in the SI Advance across the years on various topics. He also helped put together a compilation of poetry for the Nobel Maritime Museum based on the works of several talented Staten Island authors. In addition to his service throughout the years on various writing groups and social service organizations, Mr. Hopkins and his wife, devout Catholics, were active within Holy Child Church when their children were young, and for the last thirty years have been active parishioners and volunteers at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. While family, church, teaching, and community service were strongest priorities for George, he found time for a wide variety of interests throughout his life, including model trains, Civil War history, membership in the Marine Corp. League, marathon running, golfing, and travel. George is survived by his loving wife of 56 years and Staten Island Woman of Achievement Diane (Ennis) Hopkins, sons Michael Hopkins (wife Denise), Patrick Hopkins (wife Laura), and daughters Eileen Hopkins (Mark), and Mary von Doussa (husband Ben), and nine wonderful grandchildren who looked up to their Pop-Pop and loved him as much as he loved them: Max, Emily, Jack, Madelyn, Ella, Tyler, Will, John, and Brayden. Mr. Hopkins was predeceased by his first grandson, Stephen Hopkins, who he loved, adored and prayed for every day. He is also survived by his cousins Anne (Conroy) Reisert, and Thomas Middlemiss, and a tremendous group of great friends, several of whom have been part of his life from childhood. George will be remembered by his family and friends as an incredibly kind, selfless, funny, and strong person, who did his best for his family and others, and who will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to be part of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Staten Island University Hospice would be appreciated by the family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 AM on Friday at Our Lady Star of The Sea Church located at 5411 Amboy Road Staten Island, New York 10312. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island, NY. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York.

George R Hopkins

June 29, 1941 - December 17, 2023