John Gillas Hopkins, AKA: Johnny Boy, Big Hop, and after a few drinks at a

Christmas Party "Mean Gene, The Dancing Machine"! Passed away at Berkshire

Medical Center on December 17, 2025, with his beloved wife of 53 years Mary Jane

(MJ) by his side.

He was Born in New London, CT to Dwight Hopkins and Jean Bianco on

February 24, 1942. A graduate of Lee High School went on to serve in the Navy from

1963-1967. He would often share stories of his days in the Navy, none that could be

published, but if you know the best one, you know to always wear your boots!

He would later work at the Mead Corporation and was the head of the union, and

then Lenox Housing Authority, where he retired from in 2012.

He was overjoyed to be a grandfather and loved his 4 grandchildren dearly. His

big boy Evan and his three princesses Avery, Madelyn, and Ella! He loved to watch

them, spoil them, and of course cook for them.

He always followed the Lee High Teams throughout the years. He loved the Red

Sox, Horse Racing, OTB, 10 cent supers, The Patriots, Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams,

Dean, Frank and Bing, a cold beer, and Notre Dame Football, Go Irish!

Besides his beloved wife Mary whom he married on December 24th, 1971 and

sons Michael and Jason, he leaves behind his twin sister Jean Briggs, brother Dick

Cody, and many nephews and nieces. John loved his family dearly and although it is

hard to lose him so close to Christmas, it was his favorite holiday, he'd have Christmas

music playing long before Thanksgiving!

He was a resilient man, a simple man, who defeated death numerous times

throughout the years. He was a problem solver, if you had one, he'd have a one liner

that would solve it. He loved life and was full of it every day until the end. A friend to all

that entered his home, and he would never let you leave until he cooked you a meal.

He loved his family, and he lived by one of his favorite sayings from Jimmy V, "Don't

Ever Give Up!" He never did, he just ran out of time.

There will be no services at his request.