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THOMAS HOPKINS Obituary
View the online memorial for Thomas HOPKINS
Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS HOPKINS
31 Entries
Cooper Hopkins
July 17, 2025
that´s my grandfather i am cooper!
Cynthia O´Leary
January 19, 2023
My condolences to the family. I met Tom back in the 80´s while I was teaching Preschool. He was an amazing man who had a heart of gold and always a smile on his face. He offered to help everyone he came in contact with. I loved seeing him come to pick up his son Justin ... the LOVE just emitted from them both the minute they saw each other at the end of a day. Tom always took the time to see how Justin´s day went. Ironically I was teaching a summer program this year in West Brookfield and had a young girl in my class that I recognized the face.... It was the face of young Justin( his daughter Oakley) from the 80´s. I was tickled to realize this family had crossed my path once again this many years later. I´m only sad that I did not get a chance to reunite and chat with Tom about all of the wonderful things life has given him. Blessings to you all. Those we love never really go away as they live in our hearts forever.
My heart goes out to all who miss him. He left an amazing legacy.
Cynthia O´Leary
Matthew Juros
September 14, 2020
I am terribly sad to learn of Tom's passing. I've known him professionally for over twenty years. He was always willing to take time with me (I'm an architect) to help parse the best path to compliance. His was both firm and gentle. His knowledge was deep. I truly enjoyed our many conversations in his office high above Beacon Hill. I am richer for having known him. He is greatly missed by many.
Charles Toomey
June 5, 2020
I was saddened to learn of Tom's passing. We worked together to create our Cable Access Station that was fully ADA compliant and worked on other issues. Tom helped design the station from concept to completion and did so delivering the station on time and on budget. Whenever I see people using our local ADA assets I'm reminded of how tirelessly he work to lay the foundation for all to benefit, despite terrific political resistance and personal challenges few knew of. Tom was a leader and a kind spirit. I was privileged to share great conversations and hear his anecdotes.
Elaine Laffan
July 30, 2019
Tom Hopkins was a beacon in a sea of inaccessibility beginning for me in the early 1990's. Things have significantly improved while architectural access for the Commonwealth was under his watch. I am sorry for the family's loss of Tom who's humor could cut through the frustration of a newbie to the roadblocks that seemed to pop up as if in a nightmare. As I become progressively more in need of access, I got busy and acted to help others. Tom's leadership was infectious for those of us who value advocacy no matter the criticism. The website set up under his watch was incredibly helpful to access monitors, architects, and others concerned. I am sorry to hear of the loss of another beacon of reason, (and common sense), for persons with disabilities. His service to the Commonwealth should be a template for other agencies who wish to do right by the citizens of Massachusetts. If you see something that might impede a person with a any disability, I ask for action. Google the AAB website, (set up so it is accessible for the novice as well as experienced advocate), and act in memory of the advocacy, and leadership of Tom Hopkins. I think Tom would appreciate your advocacy.
Joan Burrows
May 16, 2019
Thank you Tom for everything you did for people with disabilities - your work and passion will continue.
February 13, 2019
With deepest sympathies for Tom's family and loved ones. I had only dealt with Tom over the years via telephone when I needed help on projects, but his warmth and generosity of spirit were always evident and made it so easy to reach out to him with questions.
Tom will be missed. God bless,
Mark Dunn
Hadley, MA
Gretchen Von Grossmann
February 12, 2019
Dear Hopkins Family,
Tom was courageous defender of what is good and right, and generous in his time, efforts and wisdom to help bring about the right thing. I admired him greatly and will miss him.
Mike DiMascio
February 11, 2019
Dear Hopkins Family,
I knew Tom professionally through my work with the MAAB. He was a true advocate for those with disabilities and a consummate fighter for greater access throughout the state.
I was saddened to hear of his passing. He was always available to discuss issues related to accessibility at any time and provided great insight into not only the large things but also the small things that can make life better for everyone. His approach to accessibility at the MAAB made what could have been a daunting experience into an opportunity for learning and understanding of what was needed to make access to places that most of us take for granted available to everyone.
His professionalism, knowledge and kindness made this world a better place. His legacy will live on in the built environment and in projects yet to be built. I will miss our conversations, which I am sure you know, could go on for hours if there was not work to be done.
He will be missed.
With sympathy,
Mike DiMascio
Theo with new curb cuts!
Jean Batty
February 1, 2019
I don't have the words to properly express what a profound difference Tom has made in the lives of people with disabilities. I met Tom as a mother of child with a disability. He helped me understand the barriers my son faced and what I needed to do to ensure my son has rightful access. Tom was level headed and thoughtful. It is so hard to advocate when your child has been excluded and hurt. Tom taught me how to take that negative energy and properly focus it to enact change. As I continue my advocacy efforts, Tom's words ring strong in my head. He has mentored so many people like me who will continue this important work. And he did so with such good humor! Whenever I found myself at One Ashburton Place, I always tried to stop in because to be in Tom's presence was to be before a truly kind and loving person. I feel truly grateful for having known him.
Karen Schneiderman
January 26, 2019
To Tom's family,
Tom was an important asset to the community and a personal support person to me. His warm and jovial personality made any encounter a pleasure. I send my deepest condolences to his whole family. He was one of the good guys. I am glad I had a chance to know him and Hope you realize what he meant to so many of us.
Karen Schneiderman
Jamaica Plain MA
January 26, 2019
Dear Damon,
I spoke with your father on one occasion only, however, you would only have to meet him once to know that he was a remarkable man who lived his life with great purpose. It must comfort you to read so many wonderful, heartfelt messages of condolence from his friends and coworkers who's lives he has touched. He was truly an amazing person.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Patricia L.
Presentation of the Thomas Hopkins award at the 2015 Massachusetts Office on Disability Summit
David D'Arcangelo
January 26, 2019
Dear Linda and Hopkins Family - I am deeply saddened by Tom's passing and offer my sincerest sympathies and condolences.
Both our Commonwealth and People with Disabilities have lost a true champion. My admiration for Tom will forever run deep. We made fast friends when I became the Director of the Massachusetts Office on Disability and he generously conveyed tremendous insight into 521CMR.
He shared his stories and explained the trials and tribulations that went into fiercely advocating for access in Spencer, which then led his passion to bring that to our entire state.
I am so pleased that Tom's legacy of providing access for People with Disabilities lives on through MOD's Thomas Hopkins award that is given at the annual Disability Summit.
I value you and your family for the many contributions that helped the AAB process run smoothly. Whether it was making copies for cases or making goodies to keep us going through our meetings your efforts exemplify the best in public service. Serving as Executive Director of AAB was more than just a job for Tom and his outstanding performance, work and commitment are superb.
Please be sure to call on me if I can be of any assistance and know that Tom, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Solemn regards,
David D'Arcangelo
MARTY GOULET
January 26, 2019
Very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I knew Tom when we were in Dynamy in 1973. He was a strong power of example to me then.
Peace to all his family.
Tory Dixon
January 25, 2019
I send my condolences to the Hopkins family. Tom will be missed
Rick Vogel
January 25, 2019
Linda,
So sorry to hear about your husband. My condolences to you and your family.
John Lozada
January 24, 2019
Dear Hopkins family:
It is with deep sadness that I write these words, having no idea that I would make this gesture so soon into my relationship with your and our dear Tom. Starting in 2011, it was my pleasure and privilege to work with Tom across his activities on access and the elimination of barriers for all people. In my work at our Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway leadership, staff and I connected with Tom to build a strong relationship with the AAB, eliminating fear of the variance process, strategizing on creative access solutions and ensuring that our MassDOT plan for access was structured for success. Today, Tom's influence has resulted in a Commonwealth plan for transportation access that is in full operation and providing a model for others, including the cities and towns he cared about so deeply. This early winter, I worked with Tom on reviewing access grants for municipalities, little realizing that it would be our last connection. I am blessed to have known and been supported by Tom Hopkins in my efforts, and believe his unique insights and service to the Commonwealth and its people can never be replaced, but that his values and vision will continue Tom's impact in our work and long endure.
In sympathy,
John
John Lozada
Beth Hopkins
January 24, 2019
Tom,
You were there to help guide me and were an integral part of my growing up through my early to late twenties. I learned so much from you that I will hold onto and now share memories Of with Callie.
You showed your commitment to your family and your career and the community. I will hold close all the wonderful memories I have of You and with the rest of the Hopkins family.
To the family....
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and it is truly that....a loss. He gave so much love to all of you and he made sure that you all knew it. What a wonderful thing to know in your hearts...that you are loved! Even now with Tom's passing, know that he will always be there with you, loving you and supporting you. I hope you find comfort through each other and the fact that he is no longer in pain. In my eyes, I now see him running around up in heaven telling anyone that will listen, about all of you, fishing, building beautiful wood pieces and of course...all his cases he had worked on.
Love all of you and if I can do anything, please let me know. See you at his services.
Sending love and Prayers,
Beth Hopkins
Alexandra Norris
January 24, 2019
Dear Linda, my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband. I worked with you at what was formerly Fallon and never forgot your kindness and help. You are in my thoughts
Sandie
Diane DiTullio Agostino
January 24, 2019
Dear Hopkins Family, Friends & MAAB Associates,
Last night the Milton Commission on Disability remembered Tom, the person and MAAB ultimate professional.
One didn't need to meet Tom in person to know he cared. He cared deeply for others in need of access and he worked tirelessly to help us all learn how to make that access possible.
In memory and honor of Tom, please know that those he taught are committed to continuing his work. Hopefully continuing his work with the same dash of love Tom added to this invaluable work.
Sincerely on behalf of all those he assisted with MILTON MAAB projects, The MILTON Commission on Disability
Laurie Raphaelson
January 24, 2019
Dear Linda,
I am so sorry to learn of the death of Tom. I have very fond memories of both you and Tom as kids. May your memories help you through this difficult time. I am sad that I am not in state to pay my respect in person but know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Scott Ricker
January 23, 2019
Thomas was a wonderful man who have me so much of his time & knowledge. It's very sad he was taken at a time where he had so much more kindness and care to give the dis-Ability community. I owe him a debt of gratitude for his selfishness and kindness he gave me since I started talking with him in 2005, thank you so much Tom. Scott Ricker- reli-Abilities, Access =Opportunity
January 23, 2019
To Tom's Family:
Sincere Condolences. Tom was an inspirational colleague. A true professional and a pleasure to work with. The State is less without him. Good man, will miss him.
Best
Michael Meloche
January 23, 2019
To the Hopkins Family,
My condolences. Tom was a fair and courageous man, steadfast in his beliefs, and willing to make personal sacrifice to ensure that legally mandated accessibility moved off the back burners and to the forefront.
There are many that owe him a debt of gratitude for the good work he was able to accomplish while undertaking the initial battle with a single municipality and then turning his zeal for the cause to a statewide focus.
It was an honor to know him.
May he rest in peace.
For God's sake, I hope heaven is accessible!
Tom Hartman
January 23, 2019
To the Hopkins family and my friend Tom, who I will miss greatly.
You were always there to help me over the years in working with the Architectural Access Board, and over time we became good friends. Just a couple of weeks ago we have a long chat not only about a project at hand, but our families and ourselves.
I remember the first time I presented to the MAAB at a hearing, at the conclusion, you gave me a home made brownie and said "nice work". You always encouraged me to reach out to you when I needed help, and you always gave it with such professionalism and warmth.
I'm glad to have known you, and wish your family well. Rest in peace my friend,
-Tom
Robert Antonelli
January 23, 2019
On behalf of the City of Worcester, DPW & Parks; Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Division I would like to express our sincere condolences to Toms family. It was our pleasure working with him on accessible projects in Worcester and using his knowledge to make our Parks better for all residents. Tom will be sincerely missed but his guidance on accessible access will forever influence Worcester Parks.
Thank you for sharing Tom with us all.
Angela DiGregorio
January 23, 2019
To the Hopkins family. It is with such sadness to hear of his passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at DPS. He was kind, compassionate and one true gentleman. I will always remember that smile and laughter. The memories last a lifetime and that he has left behind. He loved his family and his grandchildren. The smile at the mention of his grandchildren spoke everything. He will surely be missed by all. Rest in peace my friend.
Angela DiGregorio
January 23, 2019
To the Hopkins family-so sad to hear of Tom's passing. I had the pleasure to know him through working with him at DPS. A true kind and wonderful man. He will be missed by all. I will always remember that smile and laughter. Memories last a lifetime and he surely left many.
Mary Connelly
January 22, 2019
To Tom's Family,
I had the pleasure of knowing Tom through his wonderful work on the AAB. I hope that you, his family, are finding comfort and peace in memories of him. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
January 22, 2019
Thomas, you were a great friend who was a wonderful father and grand-father. As an Executive Director of the AAB you were without equal as you labored mightily for persons with disabilities while you respectfully listened to each complainant no matter the case.
It was terribly sad to hear of your passing. We were stunned to hear of it. You fought so hard and so long to be there for everyone who needed you.
Your friend,
Andy
Condolences to Linda, Damon, Justin and the grand-children and the rest of the family.
Jeannie & Andy Bedar
Claire- Chris Witti's mom
January 22, 2019
Damon and family, So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. May he Rest In Peace and may you find strength and peace in the days ahead.
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