Richard E. Hopson, 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2014, at Masonic Care Community in Utica, NY where he had been residing since 2007. Mr. Hopson was born October 18th, 1919, in Dolgeville, NY, son of the late Edwin and Ethel (Slack) Hopson. Richard grew up on the family farm in Dolgeville and graduated from Dolgeville Central School in 1937. Richard married Norma J. Cook on November 15, 1944. The couple managed and then owned their own farm in Dolgeville, NY until 1967. Richard also worked at Daniel Green Co. and Dolgeville Central School. In 1967, Richard returned and completed a degree at Cornell University. After graduating in 1970, he began an over 20 year career with Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) which included work in St. Lawrence, Fulton, Montgomery and Saratoga Counties. Richard and Norma Hopson eventually retired in Madrid, NY. Mr. Hopson was a member of the Waddington Masons Lodge #393 and lifelong member the Grange and member of the Scotch Presbyterian Church in Chipman, NY. He loved spending time with family and friends, enjoyed both singing and playing music, reading books, took particular interest in bird watching and astronomy, and was a sports enthusiast with a passion for golf. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Norma on April 10, 2008, and three brothers, Mark, David, and John Hopson. Mr. Hopson is survived by his four children and their families; Gary R. Hopson and his wife Linda of Herkimer, NY; Robert C. Hopson and his wife Nancy of Gainesville, VA; Deborah J. Kelly and her husband James of Varysburg, NY; and Mark E. Hopson and his wife Stephanie of Ithaca, NY; 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; several nephews and nieces; and many dear friends. In keeping with family wishes there will be a graveside service on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Noon at the Dolgeville Cemetery, W. State St., Dolgeville, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Masonic Care Community, 2150 Bleeker St., Utica, NY 13501 or the Scotch Presbyterian Church, Chipman Road, Madrid, NY 13660. His arrangements have been entrusted to Brian A. Roberts of the Roberts & Enea Funeral Home 3 Faville Avenue Dolgeville, NY.