The passing of Richard E. Hopper, Class of 1981

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Richard on Friday December 13, 2024.

Rich’s departure has cast a shadow of sorrow over the Sayville community, where he was an iconic figure.

Rich was widely recognized and celebrated. He had a great sense of humor, infectious laughter, and a fervent love for life, football, and family, leaving a lasting legacy for all who knew him.

The below obituary was published by and is courtesy of:

Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Homes

Richard E Hopper 62, of Sayville LI died on Friday December 13, 2024. A lifelong resident of Sayville, he owned and operated Sprinklers, Sprinklers, Sprinklers and American Missile Company for many years. A well-known face in the Sayville community Rich was larger than life. Everyone who encountered Rich has a story to tell, about his sense of humor, his contagious laugh, his generosity, his love of life, football and family. Madly in love with his wife, Rich told everyone about his true love story, his wife Valerie. Football coach, beloved friend and employer Rich treated everyone as family. It was his gift to all who loved him.

Rich is survived by his wife, Valerie, his son Blaine, as well as his sister Karen Page and her husband Billy, two brothers Robert and Thomas Hopper, as well as in-laws, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Martin in 2012.

Friends and relatives will gather 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 18th, at Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home in West Sayville, where a service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 19th.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Donate Life New York, 185 Jordan Road, Troy, NY 12180, are appreciated.

We extend our sincere sympathies to Rich’s family, friends, classmates and teachers. A memorial page has been established and the Sayville Alumni Association will remember Rich every year on his birthday.

We hope that remembering Rich on his birthday will help bring some comfort to those who knew and loved him.