Halstead C. Hopkins II

Halstead C. Hopkins II, 72, of Taylor, NY, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, December 2, 2014.

Hal was born in Paterson, NJ on April 28, 1942, a son of the late Halstead and Evanna Winans Hopkins.  He retired from Norwich Pharmaceuticals in 2005 and prior to that had worked at Syracuse China.  Hal was a very accomplished musician and for the past five years, played music for the traumatically brain injured at Liberty Services in Cortland.  He also volunteered musical performances for the Cortland County Cultural Council’s First Fridays.  In addition to his musical abilities, he was a cabinetmaker and enjoyed his organic garden.  Hal was especially fond of his canine companions – Sammy, Kota, and his beloved Kyra.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Denise Cote-Hopkins; daughters, Debbie Allen of Morrisville, NC and Joahna Hopkins of Houlton, ME; a son, Jonathan Hopkins of Montpelier, VT; and a stepson, Noah Mercier of Manchester, NH.  He also leaves behind a sister, Jean Van der Vliet of Hector, NY and five grandchildren.

A  memorial service will be planned for his birthday in the spring.  There are no immediate services.