Obituary of Francis Hopper

Francis J. Hopper, 88, of Glenville, passed away peacefully June 20, 2016 at Capital Living Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre. Born in Watertown, NY, the son of the late John Riley Hopper and Mary Ann Beeman. After high school, Francis was drafted into the Army and served his country from 1946-48. Some of his military experience was time spent in Japan and Korea. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Watertown and married his first wife, Mary Busler. In early 1950’s he moved with his family to the Albany area and began his career with Niagara Mohawk, as a lineman till retiring after 36 years. In 1977, he married Shirley Rathbun and they made their home in the town of Glenville. Shirley predeceased Francis in 2012. After retiring he worked for 11 years at the auto auction in Clifton Park, volunteered at the Empire State Aerosciences museum where he helped restore a Link Trainer, was the treasurer in many organizations within the church and with Niagara Mohawk pension club. Francis is survived by his sons: Francis J. Hopper Jr. (the late Barbara) of Slingerlands, NY, John Hopper and his wife, Wendy of Sackets Harbor, NY and his daughter Carol deClercq and her husband, Frank of Ravena, NY; grandchildren: John LaBelle, Michele Bendzlowicz, Mary Jo, Mia, Cara, Jarrod, Gareth Hopper and the late Robert LaBelle and Vicki Hopper; his two stepdaughters, Dr. Linda Rathbun and her husband, Dr. Roy Cobean and Lisa Rathbun-Read and her husband, David; his two stepsons; David Rathbun and Forrest Rathbun III; his step-grandchildren, Connor and Sam Cobean, Sarah and Michael Read and Natasha and Malika Rathbun. Also 5 nieces and nephews, and 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Gerald Hopper of Watertown, sister Thelma and her husband Steve Bauer of PA. Friends and family are invited to call at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd on Sunday, June 26th from 3 to 5 PM. Funeral services will be held at the Scotia United Methodist Church on Monday at 10 AM. Interment at Saratoga National Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Francis’ name may be made to Scotia United Methodist Church, 201 North Ten Broeck Street, Scotia, NY 12302. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com