Ralph E. "Hoppy" Hopkins, age 87, of Shelton, entered into rest on November 28, 2009 at the Gardner Heights Health Care Center in Shelton. He was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (Wright) Hopkins. Hoppy was born in Shelton on February 27, 1922, son of the late Robert E. and Josephine (Blackman) Hopkins, and was a lifelong Shelton resident. He served his country with the U.S. Navy during World War II. Ralph worked for the Farrell Birmingham Corp in Deby for 30 years, and was manager of the welding shop when he retired in 1987. He served with the Echo Hose Fire Co. 1, and was Past Captain. Hoppy was a former Fire Chief for the City of Shelton, a position he held from 1978 to 1983. He was also a charter member of the Echo Hose Ambulance Corps. He was also on the Board of Directors at Riverside Cemetery, and was a member of the Farrell's Oldtimers. Hoppy loved spending time in the great outdoors, especially "down back" where he enjoyed playing horse shoes, picnics, boating, and fishing. He is the beloved father of Alan Hopkins Sr. and his wife, Angela; proud grandfather of Alan Hopkins, Jr. and Leanna Kehm and her husband, Joel; and great-grandfather of Alexandra and Dylan. He is also survived by a sister, Mildred Tilki; a sister-in-law, Sally Wright Paez; two nieces Bette Lynn Paez and Mari Elena "Ria" Ullyett and her husband, Clive; and great-niece, Sarah Ullyett. He was predeceased by a sister, Gladys Donovan. Friends may greet the family at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton, on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. On Wednesday, his funeral service will be held at Riverview at 10 a.m. Burial with full Military Honors will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405. If you are unable to attend, please offer condolences online at www.riverviewfh.com.