Richard James Hopkins

Richard (Rick) James Hopkins, age 66, died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by family and friends. Rick was born in Brookfield, Ill. on May 4, 1953, to the late Warren and Ester (Stolberg) Hopkins. The son of a WWII veteran, he learned respect and work ethic early. He applied that work ethic to nearly everything he touched, beginning with a love for all things automotive. Growing up, he spent his free time at the gas station near his home in Western Springs, Ill., soaking up everything he could about cars. This first love would shape his career and hobbies for the rest of his life. It led him to bus sales and then various management positions for a national car parts chain. Always hungry to learn, he completed a number of continuing education courses while honing his skill of auto mechanics. One of his greatest professional accomplishments was becoming an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) mechanic, an achievement he held for nearly 30 years. Rick became a well-loved trainer and general manager, traveling extensively and sharing his knowledge across a number of states. His years on the road allowed him to successfully pinpoint the exact minute his family would arrive at their annual vacation in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, restroom and food breaks included. This feat always impressed his children. Rick was a kind man who always smiled and rarely, if ever, said an ill word about others. No one was a stranger when he was around, and it was common for him to leave somewhere with a new friend. Although he hated chicken, there wasn’t much else he didn’t like. He loved a strong spring thunderstorm, his wife’s chili, Dad jokes, good music and anything with horsepower. He was a fierce champion of his family, always proud of his wife and children and quick to tell others of their accomplishments. He had a way of explaining difficult concepts in words anyone could understand and became a father figure to many, including his children’s friends that called the Hopkins house their second home. Rick was a master at bringing out the best in those around him. Rick’s passing will leave a huge void in the hearts of those who loved him most: his wife, Cathie (nee Lello) Hopkins, to whom he was married for more than 41 years; his daughter Erin (Anthony) Maroon, son Chris Hopkins, grandson AJ Maroon, siblings Norman (Linda) Hopkins and Jane (Ron) Taylor, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his granddaughter, Ashlie Maroon. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Sept. 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Paquelet Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Rd. NE, Massillon. Burial will follow at Newman Creek Cemetery in North Lawrence. The family will greet friends on Thursday, Sept. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Paquelet Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rick’s name to Ashlie’s Embrace, the charity founded in his granddaughter’s memory. www.ashliesembrace.org/richardhopkins