Tolland Obituary: Robert Hopkins, Jr., 78

Robert S. Hopkins, Jr. (Breezy, Hop, Hoppy) graduated from this world with honors and distinction on April 2, 2017.

His birth during the Great New England Hurricane of 1938 gave him the nickname Breezy. During his early youth he survived the Hartford Circus Fire, polio, and the death of his mother. Hop was deeply intelligent, passionate about an endless number of hobbies and interests, and he had a lifelong love of learning.

He was a gifted, kind, and quirky educator who had a special appreciation for people who didn't fit neatly into a box. He remained in contact with students, educators, and staff from his many years of service at South Windsor High School.

Just a few of his many interests were: sailing and wooden boats, music from Dixieland jazz to classical to rock, apples, architecture, aviation, vintage autos and motorcycles, food (from fine dining to mystery leftovers, and especially being up to his ears in barbecue), literature, anything to do with words on paper, UConn women's basketball, creative recycling and digging in the dirt. Each of these led him to fascinating people with whom he maintained personal connections that were very important to him.

His dislikes included bureaucracy, bad grammar, mindless consumption, waste, willful ignorance, BS, and Facebook.

Hop was deeply loved by his family, including his former wife and best friend Jean, his children Paul (Amy), and Sarah (Jim), grandsons Will and Josh, Luke Hopkins and family, and dear sister Sally Stanwicks and family.

With great grace and patience he endured treatment for kidney failure and a variety of other indignities without ever losing his good humor.

A celebration of life will be held May 13, 4 PM at City Steam Brewery Cafe.

Memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice. Better yet, have a great meal with someone you love, or plant a tree.