Harold R. Hooper

Harold R. 'Bill' Hooper, 91, of East Hartford, loving husband of 50 years to the late Mary Jane (Ghagan) Hooper, journeyed home to be with his wife on Friday, (January 29, 2010). Born in East Hartford on January 20, 1919, a son of the late Frank and Edith Mae (Gregory) Hooper, he had been a life-long resident of the town. Harold was educated through the Public School System of East Hartford, where he attended East Hartford High School. Prior to his retirement, Harold was employed for over 30 years as a machinist by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, East Hartford and was a proud member of the 'Department 96 Retirees' Club from Pratt & Whitney, which met on a monthly basis. A talented craftsman, Harold loved doing latch hook rugs, wood carving, wood burning, and 'whittle out' peach and cherry stones. Harold was an avid and loyal fan of the UCONN Women Basketball team and Boston Red Sox, as he was so proud to see them win two World Championships. Besides his beloved wife and parents, Harold was predeceased by his ten siblings. Harold is survived by his three caring and devoted daughters, Joanne F. Hooper and Robert Ulrich both of Marlborough, Maureen C. Hooper and Susan M. Hooper both of East Hartford with whom he made his home; two special grandchildren, Matthew M. Gasper and his wife, Debra, of South Bend, IN, Meredith M. Wolfrom and her husband, Scott, of Framingham, MA; and two adored great-granddaughters, Madelyn F. Gasper and Sienna M. Wolfrom. Harold also leaves a brother-in-law, John 'Jack' Ghagan and his wife, Evelyn, of East Hartford; a sister-in-law, Betty A. Ghagan of East Hartford; many dear nieces and nephews (especially, Ron, Betty, Leslie, Kathy, Stacy, and Jake); his best life-long friend, Bob Collins and his wife, Rose, of East Hartford; and another long-time friend, Donald Ferry of Coventry. Funeral services will be Tuesday (February 2nd) at 9 a.m. from the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, East Hartford. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery (Section R-2), Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Monday (February 1st) from 5-8 p.m. Memorial contributions in Harold's memory may be made to St. Mary's Church, 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford, CT 06108 or to a favorite charity of the donor's choice. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.