Richard Hopkins

In the stillness of the night, God put his arms around Richard and took him home. Richard James Hopkins passed away April 13, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New Haven on November 17, 1934 to Alton and Ruth Mahoney Hopkins. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Margaret Fisk Hopkins; Son, Edward Hopkins (Christine) of Madison; Son, Robert Hopkins of Woodbridge; Daughter, Beth Jenkins (Anthony) of Clinton; Daughter, Catherine Zaneski (Daniel) of Madison; and Son, Thomas Hopkins of Guilford; His grandchildren – Alyse Hopkins, Patrick Hopkins (Anna), Kate, Kristen and Kerry Hopkins, Caitlin, Megan and Seamus Jenkins, Madison and Connor Zaneski, and Bailey Hopkins. Richard looks forward to being with his granddaughter, Kelly Ryan Hopkins in Heaven. He is predeceased by his sister, Patricia Marshall, and nephew James Marshall II, both of Florida.

In his youth, Richard was a resident of New Haven’s GoatVille neighborhood. His parents were both children of Irish American immigrants and his Irish heritage and Catholicism were the core to his identity. Richard graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Quinnipiac College and later received his MBA from the University of Bridgeport. He served in the 1950’s with the Eighth Army in Korea and left Korea with the rank of Corporal. He was a disabled veteran. Richard was a 30-year Controller and Corporate Secretary of Braxton Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Braxton Caribbean Manufacturing Co. He retired at age 75. He was a long-time usher at St. Margaret’s Church in Madison and a former member of its’ Finance Committee. Richard was a member of the Irish History Round Table, Connecticut Irish American Historical Society, New Haven Gaelic Football and Hurling Club, and the Knights of Columbus. He and Margaret traveled to most states and Canadian Provinces and visited about 32 countries in Europe, South America and Asia. His favorite Country was Ireland, which he visited 18 times. Each time he went, he took his beloved wife or one of his 5 children. He traveled to many counties in Ireland over the years. On most trips, he stopped in Strokestown, County Roscommon, the hometown of the Hopkins family. They traveled from the Arctic Circle to the other end of the world by later going to Patagonia. In his spare time and in retirement, he enjoyed gardening, yard work and building stone walls. He and Margaret spend countless hours outdoors landscaping their gardens. In retirement, he was a long-time volunteer at the New Haven Knights of Columbus Museum.

The pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow and throughout life for Richard, was the pride and joy he had in his wife, children, and grandchildren. Highlights to his life were their frequent large family gatherings, including yearly family vacation to the Exclusive Irish Village. “Anything you want.” His children will continue these traditions in his honor.

The Swan Funeral Home of Madison is in charge of arrangements. Friends may call from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, April 17th. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Margaret’s Church, 24 Academy St., Madison at 10:30 am on Thursday, April 18th with interment in St. Lawrence Cemetery in New Haven. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be mailed to New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club, 9 Venice Pl., East Haven, CT 06512 in his memory.