George Fredrick Hopwood

George Fredrick Hopwood passed away on May 28, 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. George was born in New York, New York to George and Meta (nee Kriete) Hopwood. Proudly serving his country, George entered the Navy in 1942. During World War II, he was stationed on the U.S.S. New Jersey and was a Plank Owner. After his service in the Navy, George worked for the New York Telephone Company for 35 years, retiring in 1979. Being continually involved with the communities in which he resided, George found it rewarding to give back to his communities. He served as the Commander of the VFW 1408 in Clason Point, New York, and as a Past President of the Telephone Pioneers Papago Chapter. Another role that George was proud of was his appointment as the Past President of the Starlight Pines Homeowners Association. It was in this role that George established the Volunteer Fire Department. This accomplishment brought George so much joy, knowing he helped everyone around him.

While in the Navy, George met the love of his life, Marie. The couple married on May 16, 1945 at Holy Cross Church in Bronx, New York. The good-looking, tall, always happy man swept Marie off of her feet. They spent 68 years adoring each other. Making their family complete, George and Marie had 4 sons. Focusing on family was important to George. This focus became even more important as his children grew up and blessed him with grandchildren. Spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren was a bright point in George’s life. Doing a segment for Peoria Channel 11 on his military life with his granddaughter was a point of honor for him. Anytime he could spend with his family gave George the most happiness. Telling stories was a quality that George excelled at. Whenever he would have his family around, listening to his stories was always a delight.

His love of telling stories didn’t stop with his family. Being the M.C. on the Departures Travel bus tours to Las Vegas was a lot of fun for George. Going to the annual conventions for the Telephone Pioneers was always a blast. He and Marie loved to travel, they have been to every state in the United States. Alaska and Hawaii were some of the favorite destinations. Traveling abroad was also a source of recreation for them. This included trips to Europe, where they loved visiting France, England, and Germany. While living in Sunland Village, George joined clubs that included golf, bowling, and tennis. He enjoyed being active in the community events.

George’s good humored nature will be missed by those who had the opportunity to know and love him. He is survived by his adoring wife Marie, sons Thomas (Nancy) Hopwood , George Hopwood, James Hopwood, and Martin (Cheryl) Hopwood, 5 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service on Monday, June 3, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care, 6747 East Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206 (480) 830-4422. Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85024. The family asks that memories of George be shared on their website at www.MariposaGardens.com.