Chicopee, MA – Robert J. “Hoppy” Hopkins, 72, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, passed away, January 13, 2026.
Born on March 20, 1953, in Springfield, he was the son of Mathew and Eileen (Brown) Hopkins. He began his career with Amherst Fire Department and went on to devote more than four decades to EMS, education, and public safety as a paramedic, educator, and leader. His training and mentorship left a lasting mark on EMS in Western Massachusetts, including through his work as a paramedic with Holyoke Hospital and professor and program director at Springfield College.
Hoppy held leadership roles with many organizations, including DMAT-MA2, and as Captain with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and Western Mass EMS.
Beyond his professional life, Hoppy was a loyal friend and a steady presence to those closest to him. He is survived by longtime friend, Brian Mullen, sister, Marion Holden, and beloved dogs Murphy and Dublin.
Calling hours are on Thursday, January 22, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cierpial Funeral Home, 69 East Street, Chicopee. Funeral services are Friday, January 23, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at St. Rose de Lima Church at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Calgary Cemetery Chicopee.
A Gofundme page is setup in his name for donations .
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