Ronald C. Hopkins

Ronald C. Hopkins, 81, of Amsterdam, passed away at home with his loving family at his side on November 20, 2014. Born in the Town of Florida on June 3, 1933. He was the son of the late Reinholdt and Mildred Menge Hopkins. He was a lifelong area resident and attended Amsterdam schools. Mr. Hopkins was a U.S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean War. During his service he served four years as a Military Police Officer. After the war Ron began his career at Beech-Nut/Life Savers in the early 1960's as a Draftsman in the engineering department. He quickly was promoted to Engineering Design where he excelled and was an integral part of the redesigning of the ACX wrapping machines from 200 sticks of gum per minute to 1,200 sticks per minute. His impeccable work allowed him to be promoted to Maintenance Manager and later Production Manager. His career spanned over 35 years. He retired in 1998. Ron was predeceased by his first wife Dolores Mustico Hopkins whom he married in 1955. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Frances Lawrence Hopkins of Amsterdam whom he married on January 2, 1994. Two children, Doug Hopkins and Debbie (Patrick) Miller. Three step-children, Lori (David) Shults; Jamie Lawrence (Amy Thackrah); Peter (Kim) Lawrence. Three sisters, Patricia Carpenter, Vernita (Richard) Guisti; Donna (Gary) Gifford. Five grandchildren, Ronald (April) Jemmott III;Jennifer (Joshua) Darling; Nicholas Jemmott; Jason(Rachel)Hopkins; Shannon (Chris)Slack. Seven step-grandchildren, Matthew, Craig and Mary Beth Shults; Caitlynn Lawrence; Cora and Jared Soodsma and Michael Miller. Six great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be held on Monday November 24, 2014 at 11:00A.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY with Father Lawrence J. Decker presiding. Interment will be in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Amsterdam with full military honors. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, November 23, 2014 from 3:00 to 5:00P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Mannys Corners Rd., Amsterdam, NY 12010.