Dwayne A. Hopkins

Dwayne A. Hopkins, 50, of Rensselaer, N.Y., died on Thursday, January 13, 2011, at Albany Medical Center. Dwayne was born in Roanoke, Va. He was a resident of the capital region most of his life he was a graduate of Shaker High School HVCC Maria College and received his Bachelors from Ohio State. He was a Toll Collector for the NYS Thruway Authority for 13 years until he retired to illness, and previously he was a child care provider. Dwayne was a communicant of St. Peter's Episcopal Church where he was a member of its choir since he was a child. In his short life he enjoyed it more than most, and will be missed by all. He is predeceased by his brother, Rexford Lee Hopkins Jr.; and father, Rexford and Helen Hopkins. Dwayne is survived by his wife, Mary E. Gaylord; a daughter, Maryhelen A. Hopkins, of Rensselaer, N.Y.; and a son, Dwayne A. Hopkins Jr., of Rensselaer, N.Y. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Donald and Remi Gaylord. Dwayne is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral 11 a.m. on Monday, January 17, 2011, from St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 107 State Street, Albany, N.Y. Friends may call in the Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer, N.Y., on Sunday evening, January 16, 2011, from 4 to 7 p.m. The family has requested that those who wish make memorial contributions, consider The Bruen Rescue Squad, 1116 Red Mill Road, Rensselaer, N.Y. 12144.