Michael M. Hopkins obituary

#MiddleburyCT #Obituary

Proud U.S. Air Force veteran

Michael M. Hopkins, 76, most recently of Middlebury, died peacefully, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in the Vitas Unit of St. Mary’s Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Marie Hopkins, who passed away earlier this year, as well as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and faithful friend to many.

Mike was born on February 11, 1947, in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of the late Ernest S. and Frances E. (Nell) Hopkins. A graduate of Agawam High School, Mike graduated from Western New England University and from Officer Training School with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Mike was chosen to participate in Air Force pilot training in Birmingham, Alabama, and later served at the 90th Missile Wing at F. E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Following his active duty in the Air Force, Mike served for 20 years in the Air Force Reserves, where he also had the honor to serve as the liaison officer to the United States Air Force Academy, retiring as a major.

A dedicated employee of U. S. Bank, Mike made the daily drive to Hartford for more than five decades, serving as the vice president of Global Corporate Trust until his retirement three years ago. A valued employee, Mike treasured the friends he made at the bank and was grateful for their continuing kindness, especially after Marie’s passing earlier this year. Committed to service to the community, Mike volunteered much of his time with various charities, including the United Way and the Hartford YMCA, where he served in a leadership role for many years, including the chair of the board.

Mike and Marie were faithful parishioners of Blessed Sacrament Parish, where Mike served as the head of the Parish Council for more than 20 years. Because of Mike and Marie’s long service to the church, they were selected by the archbishop to become a Dame and Knight of the Holy Sepulcher at a ceremony held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Following his retirement, Mike enjoyed spending time playing golf as a longtime member of the Country Club of Waterbury and devoted himself to helping to lead the Connecticut State Senior Golf Association as the Secretary. Mike also took great pleasure from driving his beautiful blue Porsche, often with sweet Brinkley, his beloved golden retriever, in the passenger seat. Mike enjoyed participating in the Porsche rallies and races at Lime Rock, and he served as a volunteer for the Connecticut Valley Region of the Porsche Club of America, helping to organize volunteers for the major races.

Mike leaves behind his beloved son, Seth; Seth’s wife, Liz; and his adored grandchildren, Ali and Will. He also leaves behind his cherished sister, Hollis LeMaster and her husband, John, and his beloved brother, Dennis Hopkins, and his wife, Diane, as well as a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews. One of the kindest and gentlest men most of us have ever known, Mike leaves a long legacy of love and friendship. His family will always be grateful to those wonderful friends and extended family members who helped him so much during the difficult days of his illness this past year.

Funeral services for Michael Hopkins will be held Friday, October 6, at 10 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church at 182 Robbins St. in Waterbury, Connecticut. Those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at the church. Entombment will follow in Calvary Garden Mausoleum. Relatives and friends may visit with Mike’s family on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care at 1987 East Main Street in Waterbury, Connecticut.

To honor Mike’s memory, donations to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Hartford, 839-841 Asylum Avenue Hartford, CT 06105-2801 would be greatly appreciated by his family. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.