Thomas Patrick Hopewell

Thomas Patrick Hopewell, age 62, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 8, 1961, he was the son of the late Robert D. and Laurel A. (Nason) Hopewell.  Tom was raised in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston and graduated from Boston High School with the Class of 1979.  Following his graduation, as a kid at heart who didn't want to grow up, Tom took a position with Toys R Us, stocking shelves at night.

Tom married the love of his life, Donna M. Libby, on June 19, 1987, after dating for nearly fourteen years.  The couple made their home in Roslindale, where they welcomed their son, Christopher.  Tom's career led him to the painting business before taking a job with the Post Office in West Roxbury, supporting his family and always ensuring they had whatever they might need.  In 1990, Tom took the opportunity to join the ranks of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), working as a bus driver at the Bartlett Garage. Tom loved to interact with his co-workers and passengers, who all thought he looked like the character "Woody" from Toy Story.  With a great sense of humor, Tom regularly carried a Woody figure with him, whether in his pocket or on the dash of the bus, cracking jokes about it with everyone he met.  Tom dedicated twenty-seven years to the MBTA and his passengers before his retirement in 2017.  In the years following his retirement, Tom began working at Walpole Wine and Beer on a part-time basis and went on to pick up another shift at Linda's Variety in Norfolk.  More recently, in 2021, he and Donna made their home in Pawtucket, but Tom continued making the commute to Walpole and Norfolk, working just up until the day before he passed.

Throughout his life, Tom was an avid New England Sports fan, often attending games at Foxboro Stadium, Fenway Park, or the Boston Garden.  Following the game, he would often seek out various players to snag an autograph for his son, Chris.  Sometimes this involved running blocks down the street chasing his favorite players down while they were driving away, but Tom never shied away from the challenge.  Two of his more notable rundowns were Roger Clemens and Jose Canseco, getting a stern talking to in the process.  However, Tom's love for sports did not end in the stands or streets.  As an enthusiastic baseball card collector, he and Chris would travel to area trading shows, setting up a table and making deals throughout the event.

Back at home, Tom knew how to kick back and have a good time with his family.  Tom was delighted to watch his circle grow, welcoming his grandchildren and forming an incredible bond with them.  He was most happy when he was surrounded by his family and friends, watching the game on television, and enjoying an ice-cold Bud Light, all while keeping an eye out to see if his Lottery Number came up.

Beloved husband of Donna M. (Libby) Hopewell.
Loving father of Christopher Robert Hopewell and his wife, Courtney, of Walpole.
Cherished grandfather of Noah C. Hopewell of Roslindale, Kiera R. Hopewell of Walpole, Brynn L. Hopewell of Walpole, and Mason P. Hopewell of Walpole.
Brother of James Hopewell and his wife, Lynn, and Michael Hopewell and his partner, Jeanine, all of Foxborough, and the late Robert Hopewell.
Also survived by his large extended family, including his in-laws on Donna's side of the family, as well as his loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Tom's Life Celebration on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

Arrangements provided by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.