05/01/2026
Donald J. Hopper
Donald J. "Duke" Hopper, 70, passed away on February 21, 2026, in Bloomington, Illinois, with his children and sister by his side.
Born on Long Island, New York, and raised in Kingston, Don-known as "Duke" to so many- carried his East Coast roots with him wherever he lived. He graduated from Kingston High School in 1973, where he was part of the football team, beginning a lifelong love of the sport. Continuing his football career with jersey number 00, he played center for the Glove Cities Colonials and was inducted into the Colonials Hall of Fame. He was a proud graduate of Penn State University, where he served as President of his fraternity, Theta Delta Chi.
For more than two decades, Duke dedicated his life to teaching high school math at Eastern York High School in York, Pennsylvania (1991-2017). Known affectionately to students as "Hopper" or "Hops," he was a steady and familiar presence in the classroom, shaping the lives of countless students with patience, humor, and consistency.
Duke loved people. He was the kind of man who stepped in quietly when someone needed help, even at the expense of his own convenience. He used people's names - whether they were lifelong friends or the cashier at the grocery store - because he believed people deserved to be seen. He always tipped in cash. He showed up. He paid attention. He made room at the table.
Weekly cribbage games with his friend Trent were sacred. He was a devoted sports fan, faithfully cheering on Penn State football, the New York Jets, and the New York Yankees through every up-and-down season. He owned every Stephen King book ever published and proudly maintained an "elephant parade" collection of more than fifty elephants, each one adding character and story to his home.
Some of the family's most cherished memories center around Duke in the kitchen, at the lake, and with music playing in the background. His Sunday breakfasts - affectionately known in later years as "Grampy Breakfasts" - became a beloved tradition. At the York Elks Lodge, he introduced his famous "Hopper" meatloaf recipe at Sunday dinners, a recipe still served today. He was most alive when the entire family gathered at the lake house in Caroga Lake, New York - flipping burgers and potatoes under the tiki hut on the flatstone, music drifting through the yard, or slowly putting around the lake for hours in his pontoon boat, boat hat on, exactly where he belonged. His love of music spanned generations and genres: Billy Joel, Little Feat, the Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Billy Price, and the unmistakable "dad songs" that became part of family lore - from "The UFO Saloon" to "Travelin' Prayer" and many more. If there was music playing and people nearby, Duke was home.
Duke was deeply committed to his communities. He was a member of the York, PA Elks Lodge 213 for over 20 years and eventually served as a trustee. He dedicated ten years as President of the West Caroga Lake Association. After moving to Bloomington, he continued serving others as President of his condominium association.
Above all, Duke was a father and grandfather. He is survived by his son, Thomas Hopper (Meighan Hopper), and his daughter, Emily Ohmart (Jeremy Ohmart). He was a proud grandfather to Will, Cole, Ben, Sophia, and Addison, who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his mother, Patricia "Pat" Hopper, and his sister, Debbie Drain (Brian Drain).
Duke faced a lifelong battle with alcoholism, a struggle that was often difficult to see and even harder to name and overcome. By acknowledging this part of his story, his family hopes others who are struggling may feel less alone. In his memory, those seeking support are encouraged to contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), a free and confidential resource available 24/7.
Duke will be buried alongside his father and grandparents at Seward Valley Cemetery in Seward, New York.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 10:00-11:00am at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043. Burial will follow at Seward Valley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Caroga Lake Association or the Elks National Foundation, organizations that meant a great deal to him and reflect his lifelong commitment to community.
Don will be remembered for the way he showed up - for family, for friends, for students, and for neighbors - and for the music, laughter, and steady presence he brought into every room.
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