Thomas Hopper

On Thanksgiving Day 2025 at the age of 93, Thomas "Tom" Hopper peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family members. Born on July 28, 1932 to Harold and Margaret Hopper, Tom developed a passion for basketball while growing up in Illinois. When he moved to New Jersey in 1945, he brought the one hand jump shot with him. It was the day of the two-handed set shot and new to New Jersey hoops. His success on the court led to his induction into the Ridgewood High School hall of fame in 2006.

After high school, Tom joined the Marine Corps and served in Korea. Upon discharge, Tom hitch hiked from San Diego, CA to Raliegh, NC where he attended North Carolina State University on a basketball scholarship. He played for coach Everett Case, who is regarded as the father of Atlantic Coast Conference basketball. It was during college when Tom met Janet Kamerling who became his wife of 59 years. After graduation he began his career in the textile business living in Spartanburg, SC and Glen Rock, NJ before returning south to the metro Atlanta area. It was during his Atlanta years that Tom became a proficient tennis player competing in local ALTA tennis tournaments. He started his own successful business in the 1980s as a manufacturer's rep before retiring in 1997. Tom also excelled at construction and personally did major renovations to every home he lived in.

Tom was proceeded in death by his wife Janet Hopper, parents Harold and Margaret Hopper, his brother Charles "Chuck" Hopper and sister-in-law Joan Hopper. He is survived by his sister Laura Quinlan and her husband Jack, daughters Linda Hopper, Carole Hopper, Suzy Hopper, son-in-law Stéphane Haffemaye, son Jeff Hopper, daughter-in-law Pam Hopper and grandchildren Kam Hopper and Lydia Hopper. Everyone who knew him will miss his sharp humor, wise perspective, and warm, caring smile.