William E. Hopkins Jr., 89, of Avondale, died Thursday, Oct. 19 at Twin Pines Health Care Center in Chatham, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of Frances (Babe) Ruello Hopkins with whom he would have shared 60 years of marriage on the date of his death.

Born at Chester County Hospital, he was the second son of the late William E. Hopkins Sr. and Ruth Hughes Hopkins.

A graduate of Kennett High School, class of 1946, he was a lifelong resident of Chester County.

He was a heavy equipment operator for L.H. Taylor until becoming roadmaster of London Grove Township, retiring in 1999.

He was not only very family-oriented but also very civic minded. He served as president of the Avondale Fire Co. 1993 through 1997 and was “Santa” for many years for various organizations and private parties. He also volunteered at Chatham Acres Nursing Home, now Twin Pines Health Care Center. One year he had a birthday party for the residents and for several years took the residents to the Avon Grove Lions and Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast.

He was Past Grand Knight of The Knights of Columbus, Council 3858, and President of the Avon Grove Optimist Club 1964 and 1965.

In 1992, he was honored as man of the year, by the Avon Grove Lions Club.  And in 1994 he was honored by the Chester County Commissioners and received their Community Service Award.  Beginning as a recruiter, he was a 40-year member of the Men of Malvern, Chester County Group.

He was a very selfless and caring person and his children and grandchildren gave him much pleasure, especially vacations in Cape May and summer weekends poolside.  Sunday was “family dinner day” and many times it was requested he cook his “famous chicken”.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Lisa Pratt and her husband, Kenneth, of Avondale, and a son, William E. Hopkins, III (Skip) and his wife, Wendy Kimmel, of Wynnewood. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Tyler K. and Conner W. Pratt, and Morgan L. and William E. Hopkins, IV, (Liam). He is also survived by his brother, Robert J. Hopkins, of Oxford, PA.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his younger brother, Kenneth J. Hopkins.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA. His Funeral Service will follow at 11. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Men of Malvern, 315 South Warren Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com