TEWKSBURY: Raymond F. Hopkinson, Jr. age 89, a Tewksbury resident for over 60 years, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the Lowell General Hospital.
He was the beloved husband of the late Olive L. (Skane) Hopkinson, who passed away on February 2, 2003 and the father to the late Raymond F. Hopkinson III who passed away March 14, 1998.
He is survived by one son, David F. Hopkinson and Dianne L. Coviello of Stoneham. He has three grandchildren, numerous great -grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Born in Billerica on February 17, 1920, he was the son of the late Raymond F. Hopkinson and Mina (Thorenson) Hopkinson.
Mr. Hopkinson was raised in Billerica, attended Billerica schools and graduated from Billerica High School.
Prior to his retirement in 1983, he was an airplane mechanic and inventor with numerous awards from the U.S. Air Force and he was part of the management team in charge of ground power at the Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, where he worked for more than 40 years.
Mr. Hopkinson was a member and former sexton at the Tewksbury Congregational Church.
In addition, he was a member of the Wamesit Masonic Lodge AF & AM of Tewksbury and a former member of the Acacia Chapter # 80 Order of Eastern Star.
During Ray’s long and interesting life he had many interests and accomplishments among being: farmer, greenhouse grower, steam locomotive mechanic, auto racing car owner, skilled craftsman in wood and metal, licensed Massachusetts contractor and had built his own home, hunter and fisherman, and a good Santa Claus; but most of all a devoted husband and father and good friend to many.
At Ray's request, funeral services were private. Interment was at Tewksbury Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the MS Society, Salvation Army or the charity of the donor's choice.