Roger B. Hopkins

TEMPLETON - Roger B. Hopkins, 85, of 50 Shore Drive, Templeton, died peacefully Tuesday morning, September 22nd at the home of his daughter in Fitchburg, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Gardner on January 11,1924, the son of the late Elbert E. and Mary (Bernard) Hopkins and had lived in Templeton since 1963. At the age of 17, Roger enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served as a Seaman First Class during World War Two. He was awarded the World War Two Victory Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, European African Middle E astern Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Roger worked as a steam engineer for Seaman Paper Company in Otter River until his retirement at the age of 62. He later returned to work at Heywood Hospital in Gardner and worked until the age of 83. He enjoyed playing the harmonica and had a large collection of records and recorded music. He also enjoyed attending yard sales and collecting items. Roger was a former member and bugler for American Legion Post in Gardner. He donated his bugle to the Narragansett High School Band. His wife of 46 years, Pauline M. (Bedard) Hopkins, died in 1993. He leaves five children, Allen Hopkins and his wife Nancy of Ashburnham, Pamela Hopkins and her husband Gene Lucier of San Jose, CA, Warren Hopkins and his wife Paula of Winchendon, Janice Hopkins of Fitchburg and Carole Bouchard and her husband Joe of Virginia Beach, VA; two sisters, Charlotte Friedrich of Ayer and Shirley Piermarini of Worcester; three grandchildren, John Hopkins of Ashburnham, Christopher Hopkins and his wife Julie of Hadley, Matthew Bouchard of Virginia Beach ; two great grandchildren, Jillian and Madison Hopkins and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a brother, Elbert Hopkins and a sister, Phyllis Saffelia. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 26th from the Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. in St. Vincent de Paul Church, 4 Forest Street, Baldwinville. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Baldwinville. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Friday, September 25th from 6 to 8 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to Gardner VNA Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA. 01440. www.stone-ladeau.com