Hemlock: Bill went to be with the Lord on January 19, 2019, at age 80, after a short illness. Predeceased by his parents Gordon and Dorothy Hoppough, sister Margaret (Burt) Treble, and aunt Thelma Hoppough. Survived by his wife of 57 years Beverly (Benham) Hoppough and children; Darlene (Kevin) Henry of Hemlock, Daryl (Ana Lilia Gaxiola-) Hoppough of TX, Darrin Hoppough of Irondequoit, Kelly (Gene) Chichester of Hemlock, and Holly (Jeff) Godinez of TX; grandchildren, Corey (Margaret) Hoppough, Kayla (Mark) Bennett, Alicia Henry, Curtis Henry, Elizabeth Rivera, Daniela Rivera, Nathan Chichester, and Tanner Hoppough; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Joyce) Hoppough, Jean Hamilton, and Diane Case. Also survived by many nieces & nephews, great-nieces & -nephews, and many dear friends, including his close friends John Scala, Fred Woodard, Harold Grundman, and Craig Yarnes.
Bill was born on June 12, 1938 to Gordon and Dorothy Hoppough of Hemlock, the fourth of five children. He attended Hemlock High School where he enjoyed playing sports and other shenanigans not involving academics. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the U.S. island territory of Guam. He rarely spoke of his service, but was a very patriotic veteran, and made sure his kids had respect for the flag and our country. Upon returning to Hemlock, he married Beverly Benham on April 22, 1961. They purchased a home on Main Street and spent many years remodeling it to accommodate their growing family. Bill worked at Bernhardt Lumber in Hemlock for many years installing kitchens, baths, and doing general remodeling and carpentry. In 1980 he began working “trick shift” in the Silver Recovery department of Eastman Kodak in Rochester until his retirement. Besides being a loyal, hardworking, faithful and dependable husband, dad, uncle and friend, Bill was a great fan of hunting, fishing, the Cleveland Browns and NY Yankees. He is listed in the NYS “Big Buck Club” for a deer he took in Richmond, NY. He attended every school play, chorus or band concert, basketball or little league game he could for his grandkids and was always supportive and genuinely interested in their lives. He undertook an 8-year restoration of a 1949 Chevy pickup with his son-in-law Gene and won many trophies at local car shows. He traveled south to help rebuild after hurricane destruction and to Alaska to help at a Christian summer camp. Bill “rescued” many dogs over the years and always favored the hunting breeds. He was active in the Hemlock Fire Department and served as chief in the 1970’s, was a faithful servant of the Lord, active in the United Methodist Church in Hemlock; enjoyed serving and helping others. He set a great example for his children and grandchildren; his sense of humor and compassion will be greatly missed by all who knew and adored him.
A Service to Celebrate Bill’s Life will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the Hemlock United Methodist Church, 4616 Main Street, Hemlock, NY, with military honors. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Hemlock United Methodist Church, 4616 N. Main Street, Hemlock, NY 14466. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
My condolences to you and your family, Bill was a very nice man and one of the best carpenters I’ve ever known.
Condolences to Bill”s Family. Bill was a Great Gentlemen, worked with Bill at Kodak. We were always going to get together, so I could see his Hot Rod. (never happened).
As a fellow Veteran; I say “Welcome Home Brother”, job well done!
Mike General
Vietnam Veterans
Chapter 20
So sorry for the loss of a such a special person and kind soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Beverly and family.
Sorry to hear of Bills passing. Thinking of you at this hard time.
My sympathy to you for your loss. Bill was a great guy. He had such a beautiful voice.
Elnora Teed, Livonia
My name is Gail Hoppough Goodwin. My father was Karl Hoppough. I know that I am related to many Hoppoughs in the Hemlock area. I remember hearing my Dad talk about his relatives there. I now live in Canandaigua, NY and would like very much to attend Bill’s service. My sister, Joan, who lives nearby, i”m sure, would also like to attend. Please send me the date and time for the service. goodwinsatlake@roadlrunner.com.
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He must have been a very special person.
I am so very, very sorry to hear of your lose, Kelly… It is never easy. May God be with you and your family…. Love and hugs…
So sorry for your loss. Bill was a great worker and friend.Will be missed by all who new him.
Dear Bev and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I was truly blessed to have known Bill and to have had a freindship with him. He was like a second father to me. A truly wonderful man. I love you.
Bill will be missed by so many people that knew him. Fly high Bill. Heaven just got another angel. Our deepest sympathies to his family. May God comfort each of you today, tomorrow and always. Kim, Glenn, Cody and Alyssa Richardson
So very sorry for your loss but Heavens gain……my prayers are with each and everyone of you. Hugs – Til we meet again brother
Our thoughts and prayers to the Hoppough family.
Bev and family,
Bill was a delight to know. I came to the Springwater United Methodist Church as pastor in 2012 and you folks were there regularly for worship and fellowship. We enjoyed time together. Bill drove his 1949 Chevy pickup in the local parade with me and some kids in the back. He was a very good carpenter. My wife and I had him construct shelving for our home in Honeoye. We were pleased with his work. Bill was there for whoever had a need. He is greatly missed.
I grew up 2doors north of biil n bev. Bill inspired my love of hunting. Ihave often thought of him and john scalla just mentionig them at breakfast this am. May god honor him in his kingdom as i am blessed to of crossed his path
Our thoughts and prayers to the family during this loss. Bill was one of a kind! He will be missed..
Bev and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bill was one of a kind – just the most wonderful, giving and generous person, always quick with a smile. He will be deeply missed. I hope you find comfort and peace in the love of friends and family. My sincere condolences.
Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends,for it is one of God’s best gifts.It involves many things,but above all the power of going out of one’s self,and appreciating what is noble and loving in others.—-Thomas Hughes
To all of Bill’s family we send our sincere love in His name for He was the type of man described in this poem.
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. I will surely miss the presence of a truly loveable and kind person.
That ever present smile. That love of life. Bill was always there for anyone who needed him, even a teen age girl who needed a date for her prom. No matter when I saw him and how long in between those visits the smile and hug were always waiting. He will be sadly missed. My love to Bev and the family. Bill… until we meet again keep the music ringing and the feet dancing.
Bev and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven gained a new angel.
God bless you all. Keeping you all in prayer.
He was a great man. He will be missed by all. RIP my friend
Bill was a very giving peson and a true friend. He left a living legacy behind in hs loving family and the many people that he touched through his countless acts of kindness. He was a true master craftsman in his work and life. You will be missed my friend.
I remember Bill and his brother Robert well. I am sure he will be missed by the large Hoppough family and the folks of Hemlock.
To “Aunt” Bev and the entire family, I send my heartfelt condolences. To Beth Finster, I send prayers for peace and healing. “Uncle” Bill was a good man. May he rest in peace with our Lord.
My condolences to all..
He was a wonderful man…
So very sorry to hear this sad news.
Condolences and prayers for the entire family.
Our truest sympathies to Nate, Holly and all the family.
RIP ol Livonian. Thank you for your service.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends. He was an amazing man and I am glad to have the pleasure to have known him.
Very sorry for your loss. It is always tough to lose a Parent and Grandparent.
I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends. He was a great man and was glad to have been able to have some memories with him.
I have fond memories of Bill when he worked at West Beer Distibutors. He was a nice man. My condolences to the family,
An amazing angel sent to the lord, someone who always believed in saying good things about everyone! Sadly missed already left behind wonderful memories and loving family! Till I meet u again thank u for giving me away and being like a dad to me! Love Beth ann
What a wonderful man. One that would help all. Very hard working and had a gift to be able to fix anything! Bill also had the voice of an angel singing. He will truly be missed by all!
To Aunt Bev and all my cousins,
I am so saddened to hear of Uncle Bill’s passing. He was my absolute favorite Uncle, so kind and thoughtful and always had that beautiful smile ? I will truly miss him. Sending you all loving, healing hugs. ~Jody
Hemlock has truly lost a servant of the Lord. Bill will be greatly missed. Until we meet again my brother God bless you.
Our thoughts and prayers to Bev and family. Bill was the most wonderful person. We will miss him dearly..
So sorry for our towns loss, he will be missed Dearly. He was a Great Neighbor for many years in the70s. Friends are here for comfort.