William J. Hopkins Jr.

William J. Hopkins Jr., lovingly known as Billy, 68, passed away of an extended illness on March 19, 2025. Loving brother to Susan (Carl) Rodzewich and Dianne (Craig) Failing and devoted Uncle to 8 nieces and nephews and 6 grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Esther and father, William J. Hopkins Sr.

 

Billy was a caring big brother, always taking the time to help his sisters with homework as well as teaching them skills such as how to play the guitar or drive a car. If they needed a ride, he would take them anywhere they desired.

 

Known for his kindness and “big bear” hugs, at 6 ft 2, he was a gentle giant. He was also a very careful list maker, and took great care in doing any task very diligently.

 

Billy was a brilliant scholar, scoring in the top 1 percentile of the country on his SATs. Nominated to West Point by his state representative, he ultimately attended the University of Pennsylvania on a full ROTC scholarship, staying two years and was a member of the rowing team before transferring to the University of West Virginia where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

 

After college, Billy was contracted by NASA as a computer scientist, working on thermodynamics for 6 years at Edwards Air Force Base in CA. Upon returning to PA, he embarked on a career at UPS, loading boxes and delivering packages.

 

Eventually, Billy became a helpful and steadfast, full-time caretaker to his father for 10 years and eventually to his mother for 12 years. Each night as he cared for her, he would ask her to pick a song, and they would sing it together.

 

A favorite memory for his nieces and nephews was a special day with Uncle Billy for their birthday at a fun spot of their choice, usually Happy Tymes or playing sports in a local park, followed by a trip to Toys “R” Us to pick out a gift. He also enjoyed giving scratch off lottery tickets as a gift, as did his mother. After he passed, his family found a lottery ticket for his niece, Nellie, and she won $100.00. He was smiling down from heaven.

 

His faith in God was most important to him and was reflected in the many ways he helped neighbors, shoveling their sidewalks, mowing their lawns, or generously helping with a task. He also was a faithful usher at his church, St Genevieve’s.

 

Billy will be missed by all who loved him. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Thursday, March 27th, 9am to 10am at Saint Genevieve‘s Roman Catholic Church, Flourtown, PA. His Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10am. Internment is at George Washington Memorial Park in Plymouth Meeting. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Billy’s name may be made to the American Red Cross or Saint Genevieve‘s Church, 1225 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA 19031.