Richard F. Hopkins

Richard F. " Big Rich " Hopkins , 66, Frackville, passed away peacefully Tuesday at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, with his family at his side.

Born in Pottsville he was a son of the late William "Sarge" Hopkins and Grace Snyder. He had been employed as a correction officer at SCI Mahanoy until his retirement after 25 years of service. He had been a past president of the local PSCOA union while at the prison.

He was a Viet Nam veteran of the US Navy, submarine service, having served on the USS Pargo, Dace and Sturgeon based out of New London CT. He was a member and Past Exalted Ruler of Frackville Elks Lodge # 1533, Frackville American Legion Post # 398, Frackville Masonic Lodge # 737 F&AM , Park Crest Fish and Game Club. Rich was an avid hunter and golfer winning the Little Brown Jug trophy 3 separate times. Later in life his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers; William Bill Hopkins and Jamie Reedy.

Rich is survived by his wife Debra Swingle McCormick, his daughter Robin Hopkins and her domestic partner Paul Cugusi, Frackville, his son Bob and his wife Erin McCormick, Schuylkill Haven, two brothers; William ( Shirley) Hopkins, Summit Station and Melvin ( Margaret ) Reedy, Pottsville, two sisters; Holly Hopkins, Frackville and Nancy wife of Jim McNulty, Schuylkill Haven, his beloved grandchildren: Isabella, Giovanni and Quaid, also by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday evening at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville, with Rev. Jack Murray officiating.  A viewing will be held on Friday from 5p.m. until time of service. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.