Arthur Richard Hopper

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur Richard Hopper, age 90, of Wayne, NJ.

Arthur passed away peacefully on Monday, July 15, 2024 while receiving the loving care of his family.  He was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ and was the youngest of three children to Julian and Marion Hopper.  Arthur, at an early age, left school to help support his family and later through determination and sheer hard work was able to earn a good living and raise a family.

Arthur found work quickly after leaving school with a construction road crew paving roads.  He then, after a short time, accepted a position in a motor shop in Paterson named Reliable Electric where he rebuilt motors.  Later, Arthur took a position at Di Clemente Contractor Inc. where he was employed as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator.  While working for Di Clemente Contractor, Arthur was a long time member of the Teamsters Union.  Arthur held his position at Di Clemente until his retirement in 1999.

In the mid 1950’s, Arthur received the call to serve his country and entered the United States Army.  Arthur served proudly in the US Army for several years until being honorably discharged.

Arthur lived in an apartment building where he often crossed paths with his neighbor, Barbara Ann Decker. Initially, she would playfully flirt with him, leaning on his car while wearing jeans, which unintentionally scratched the paint. Despite the initial annoyance, Arthur found himself attracted to Barbara Ann's friendly demeanor and good looks.  The couple hit it off wonderfully after a time and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and in 1955 the two exchanged wedding vows and became husband and wife.

The newlyweds settled in Union City after getting married then moved to Wayne, NJ in 1961 where Arthur built his own home on Whitmore Ave with the help of other family members.  Arthur and Barbara have been ever since.  While living in Wayne, the couple welcomed the births of all four of their children, Richard, William, Alan, and Faith.  

Upon retirement from his work, Arthur kept busy performing odd jobs for friends and neighbors, mostly in the realm of auto and appliance repair.  He also enjoyed saltwater fishing, boating, and crabbing at the Barnegat Bay.  He cherished watching World Wrestling Entertainment on television and frequenting the Jersey Shore and the casinos at Atlantic City.

Arthur was a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He treasured forty-eight years of loving and loyal marriage to his wife Barbara Ann until her passing in 2003.  Following Barbara’s Ann’s passing, to keep busy, Arthur took great pleasure in shopping at flea markets, garage sales, goodwill stores, and even sifting through domestic refuse to uncover hidden treasures and find valuable items.  Many of his unique discoveries were items of stained glass and mirrors.

Arthur, though possessing strong convictions and a determined character, often showed traits of arrogance, stubbornness, and a tendency towards negativity, yet those who knew Arthur appreciated his commitment to his opinions.

Arthur will be forever remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around him.  He will be sincerely missed by his family and friends.

Arthur is survived by his son Richard Hopper and his wife Linda of Waxhaw, NC, his son William Hopper and his wife Clelia of Sparta, NJ, his daughter Faith Hopper and her wife Cindy of Watertown, NY, five grandchildren; Larry Hopper and his wife Ginger of Monroe, NC, Justine Hopper and her fiancé Chris of Bloomingdale, NJ, Timothy Hopper and his wife Rachel of Shelton, WA, Lindsay Hopper of Sparta, NJ, and Conner Shuler-Hopper of Watertown, NY, and two great grandchildren; Aelita, and Emily.  Arthur was predeceased by his son Allan Hopper, his brother Henry Hopper, and his sister Dorothy Strawder, and his dog Rosie.