Shrewsbury – Matthew George Hopewell, 92, passed away peacefully in his home Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marjorie (Dumas) Hopewell of Shrewsbury; his two daughters, Bonnie Murphy and her husband Kevin of Shrewsbury and Cathy Gordon and her husband Steven of West Boylston; his son, Mark Hopewell and his wife Kim of West Boylston; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, as well as a sister, Nancy (Hopewell) Jacobson of California.
George was born June 9, 1920 in Worcester, the son of Agnes and Arthur Hopewell. He graduated from Commerce High School in 1938. He was a proud World War II veteran, and served with the 29th Division, 115th Infantry, and landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day He was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant.
He worked for New England Power for over 45 years and helped open the Yankee Atomic Power Plant in Rowe, Mass.
George was a Mason for over 50 years, and belonged to the Matthew John Whittall Masonic Lodge in Shrewsbury. He was a drummer for the Worcester Kiltie Band in the early 1950s. He was an avid wood carver and enjoyed the carving group at the West Boylston Senior Center for a number of years.
He and his wife greatly enjoyed summers at Ocean View Campground, Wells Maine and spending days on Drakes Island Beach.
The family would like to thank the VNA Hospice and Home Health Staff personnel for making George's last days comfortable and their assistance to the family.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with George's family Friday, Dec. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m., in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. A service celebrating George's life will be held in the funeral home Saturday, Dec. 29, at 10 a.m., followed by burial with Military Honors in the Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to a veteran organization or a charity.
