Frank Hopkins

8/13/1934 - 11/13/2025

Oakdale - Frank Hopkins, 91, of Oakdale, passed away Nov. 13, surrounded by his family. Born Aug. 13, 1934, in New Britain to William and Ruth (Toomey) Hopkins, Frank grew up in New London where he developed the discipline, curiosity, and unwavering work ethic that shaped the man he would become.

He graduated from New London High School in 1953 where he met the love of his life, Anne Fabie. They married Jan. 8, 1955, and built a strong and enduring 70-year marriage. Throughout their life together Frank affectionately referred to Anne as his bride, a loving gesture that spoke volumes about his devotion. Together they raised seven children, instilling in them the values he lived by: strength, resilience, integrity, and determination.

Frank enlisted in the United States Air Force after high school and served in Alaska as a ground radio operator. He later began a long career at Pratt and Whitney as a machinist, retiring in 1992. He also served proudly in the Connecticut Army National Guard where he was honored as Soldier of the Year.

Frank was most at home outdoors. No matter the season or weather, he spent much of his time working outside or taking his family camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and skiing. A natural craftsman, he could fix anything broken or build anything by hand. He approached every task with care and purpose, never sitting still while there was something to improve upon or learn.

After retirement Frank discovered a new passion in traditional archery. He became a competitive and accomplished archer, winning numerous tournaments with the same precision and determination he brought to everything in life. He crafted his own long bows and founded the Traditional Bowhunters of Eastern Connecticut, a community for others to share in his enthusiasm for the sport.

Frank created a home where everyone felt welcome. Anyone who walked through his door was greeted with open arms and, more often than not, invited to join in on "tradition," his lighthearted name for sharing a shot of whiskey. Time together often included games of pool, horseshoes, or cornhole, as well as some of Frank's many stories from his unforgettable life of work and adventure and his deep love for reading and history.

As a father, he was a steady and supportive presence, teaching, guiding, and encouraging his children to take on any challenge with confidence. As a grandfather, he was patient and devoted, always cheering on his grandchildren at every milestone. Frank was endlessly proud of his entire family. He often said, "Family is everything," and he lived those words every day.

Frank was predeceased by his beloved son, Lawrance; his brother, William "Bud"; and his sisters, Elizabeth Bourget and Maureen Sheehan.

He will be forever missed by his wife, Anne; his daughters, Debbie Turcotte (Walter) and Mary Aledia (Eddie); and his sons, Ken, Tim (Lori), Bill (Donna), and Greg (Laura). Frank cherished the closeness he shared with each of their spouses and considered them family in every sense.

He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, who were among the greatest joys of his life: Jeffrey Hopkins (Bridgette), Jennifer Cullen (Mike), Ashley Hopkins, Kim Shelton (Derrik), Daniel Hopkins, Jalen Rocha (Corey), Eddie Aledia, Christian Aledia, Nate Hopkins, Gregory Hopkins, and Jesse Hopkins. He was also blessed with ten cherished great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Our Lady of the Lakes Church in Oakdale.