Joseph Hopkins

Joseph W. Hopkins passed away on Easter Sunday March 31st 2024 at the age of 75, surrounded by his family in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.  He was married to Maria (nee Nardone) for 52 years in a loving marriage.  He was the caring father of Eric (Michele) and Justin (Stefanie).  He was the doting grandfather of eight grandchildren who were the light of his life, Kaelah Poulos-Hopkins, Marabel Poulos-Hopkins, Chloe Hopkins, Lucie Poulos-Hopkins, Jackson Hopkins, Maxwell Hopkins, Aislinn Neve Poulos-Hopkins, and Dylan Hopkins.  He is also survived by his brothers David Hopkins and Brian Hopkins, and many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his sister Susan Hall and brother Charles Hopkins.

Joe was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania on February 24th, 1949 to Joseph J. Hopkins and Harriett Hoak.  He was the oldest of five siblings.  He left Pottsville to attend Penn State University and graduated with a degree in engineering.  While at Penn State he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity where he proudly started the Phi Psi 500 with his friend John Kessock.  After Penn State he worked at the Frankfurt Arsenal while attending Temple University School of Law and received his Juris Doctorate.  He then opened his law practice in Rittenhouse Square where he specialized in real estate law.  Over the course of the next 50 years of his career, Joe explored different businesses and investments, but his love would always remain in real estate where he ended up working with his children.

One of Joe’s favorite pastimes was coaching soccer.  Having attained a national level soccer coaching license, he helped form Lower Merion Soccer Club with Biff Sturla and Bruno Ceccarelli in 1989.  He coached four LMSC soccer teams to state championships throughout his career.  Another favorite thing of Joe’s was food and wine.  The fact that Maria was such an excellent cook helped to sculpt a true foodie, but it was his role as the Chairman of the Restaurant School that really made it official.  During his time on the Board of Trustees, The Restaurant School grew into Walnut Hill College, an accredited educational institution.  He especially loved to sample the various foods and wines around the world while on his travels with Maria and friends and family.  Joe saw an amazing number of places in his lifetime ranging from China to South America, but it was Paris that always held a special place in Joe and Maria’s hearts.   Another of his true loves in life other than his family, was his love for the game of golf.  He was a passionate golfer who traveled across the US playing different courses with friends and family.  He won three championships at the ACE Club of which he was especially proud.  Joe’s most sought after treat was ice cream, especially the Dairy Queen Blizzard.

Joe was a devout Catholic, a man of profound spirituality and deep faith.  He tried to be a good and faithful servant of our Lord. His day usually started with daily mass at St. John Vianney parish.  He especially enjoyed the company of his fellow parishioners, out of which he made many friendships.

At home the true Joe shined.  He enthusiastically helped anyone who needed it in any way; always.  From complex electrical work, drafting legal documents for friends of friends, to sewing up all the holes in his grandkids’ favorite clothes and special stuffed animals, Joe was incredibly capable. He could frequently be found at relatives’ homes, with dirty hands, completing days-long projects and handiwork. Joe has been seen laying tile, hanging wallpaper, hemming pants, painting, woodworking, spackling, and especially caulking.  Joe had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and was a legitimate tech nerd, quickly updating to all of the latest gadgets.  He also loved watching rom-com movies with his boys, usually to the chagrin of his wife who then had to listen to the silly lines repeated at dinnertime.  “Pop”, as he was affectionately called by his grandkids was nonstop noise and fun. He was always playing on the floor with younger grandchildren, letting them climb all over him, or driving the older grandkids to their various activities. Joe will be missed by so many, but his memory and legacy of love is a true blessing. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in his memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital (501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105) or the Make-A-Wish Foundation (make-a-wish.org).