Eugene “Gene” Everett Hopper, age 88 of Wildwood, FL, passed away Friday, May 20, 2016 at his residence in the Continental Country Club. Gene was born in Kingston, NY and moved to Bradenton, Florida in 1981 and came to Continental Country Club over 25 years ago. He was the former owner of Hopper Plumbing and Heating in Yonkers New York and worked as an Owner/Operator truck driver for over 30 years. He attended the First Christian Church, D.O.C. in Wildwood, Florida and was a member of the Lions Club, and he was a lifetime member of the Owner/Operator Independent Drivers Association in New York for many years. Gene will be remembered as a happy person who loved to smile and laugh. He was also a savvy and highly intelligent business person, but his family was always at the top of his list and he was the epitome of what a father and husband should be. He loved to sing karaoke, travel, and spending time with his long haired dachshund – Doc.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Mary “Katy” Hopper; 6 daughters – Deborah G. (John) Peloso of Pound Ridge, NY; Patricia L. (John) Sheppard of Allamuchy, NJ; Shelley (Dr. Robert) Quintana of Scarsdale, NY; Kelly J. Ardovino of Cornwall, NY; Martha Hopper Miller of Sarasota, FL; and Stefani G. Heidenthal of Sarasota. 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service celebrating Gene’s life is planned for 3 p.m. – Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the Page-Theus Funeral Home Chapel, Leesburg, Florida with Rev. M. Linda Yarorough serving as Officiant. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to: Cornerstone Hospice – 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778.
