1947 -2021
Auburn-Ron Hopping, 73 went home to be with his Lord and Savior. He passed away on June 14, 2021at C.M.M. C. under the compassionate and loving care of the Medical teams on Y-3 and M-4.He was surrounded with family. Ron was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 17 years ago. It has only been the last 2 years, especially the last 6 months that P.D. caused the loss of body movement and functions as well as effecting his short term memory. We are thankful to God every day that Ron was able to live his life normally for so many wonderful years.
Ron was born on June 22,1947 to Richard G. Hopping and Edith Murken Hopping in Manhattan, New Year City, N.Y. They moved to Boxford, MA. when Ron was 9 months old. This is where Ron’s love of nature ,woods and his care of the Earth began.
Ron attended Boxford schools grades 1-6, then was transported to Masconomet Regional School District in Topsfield for grades 7-12 where he graduated in 1965 with a focus on Drama, working with wood and photography. He took countless pictures of friends, nature and family. He graduated from the Gorham State College ( now part of U. of M.) in January 1970 instead of 1965 with his class due to changing his major to Liberal Arts. In 1969 Ron met a constant person in his earthly life, Libby Ann Levasseur. He married his college sweetheart and love on Nov.3,1970. They thankfully celebrated their 50th anniversary on Nov. 3,2020 with a private dinner They moved to Lewiston , but in 1971 they moved to Auburn to raise 3 sons, Rhett Geoffrey, Ryan Kirk and Raffe Andrew. They made 3 more moves and 1984 found the best place to meet their family needs.
Ron was a machine operator for I.P. over 30 years, but when P.D. causing back problems forced him to retire in 2010.Ron was well liked and respected at I.P. and served on numerous committees over his 30 years at I.P.
You could always find Ron outside enjoying camping, biking, running, canoeing , climbing Maine and N.H. mountains large and small or hiking the Appalachian Trail (Maine sections ) from Mt. Katahdin to the N.H. border. Ron liked working in his yard or on his house, building decks, stairs, and planters out of wood. He liked having his sons and 7 grandchildren around so he could teach them to enjoy nature, birds ,working with your hands to make the world a better place while we lived on earth.
Ron is survived by his wife, Libby , sons, Ryan and Raffe ,daughters- in-laws, Tina and Julie. His brother, Russell Hopping and wife, Lynne MA. 3 sisters, Judy Kamps and husband Bruce, M.A. Janice Natalino N.H., Joyce Bertolino N.H. Seven Grandchildren ,Taylor, Alexandria, Haylie, Madison, Jena, Trenton, Reece and 2 Great grandchildren Alice and Artem.10 Nieces and Nephews and 20 Great Nieces and Nephews. Ron’s Home health Providers, Diane, Marshall and Christina. Many supportive Family and Friends Fran, Selma, Thom, Christie, Caleb, Donnie, Jeanne, Sylvia, and Brad.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, Son, Rhett, Brother Randall Hopping ,Nephew ,Matthew Bertolino, Brothers- in -law ,Andre R. Levasseur and Richard Natalino.
You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Ronald’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com
Visitation Fortin Lewiston Monday 6/21 from 2-4 & 6-8. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday 6/22 at 11 Am at Sacred Heart Church. Committal will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Ron asked to allow people choices Flowers or Donations Made to the Parkinson’s Foundation in his name. Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. Or The Rhett Hopping Special Education Award Edward Little High School C/O Rod Boutot Special Ed. Coordinator,77 Harris Street, Auburn, Maine 04210
Arrangements are under the care & Direction of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services, 70 Horton St. Lewiston, 784-4584.
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