Richard “Pastor Rick” D. Hopkins, 66, of Scranton, died Tuesday morning at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. His wife 29 years is the former Cheryl Bauer.
Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Donald and Elizabeth Jones Hopkins. He was a 1970 graduate of Scranton Technical High School and was employed in the collection and loan departments for the Third National Bank. He served as a lay minister for New Hope Christian Academy and a pastor for local juvenile detention centers and halfway homes. He was a member of the Clarks Green Assembly of God Church in Clarks Summit.
Rick also was a musician and singer for many well-known local bands including Jack and the Rippers and Entrance.
Also surviving are two daughters Elizabeth “Libby” Hopkins, Florida; and Lori Gogas, Scranton; two sons Chad McPhillips, Gouldsboro; and Art McPhillips, Scranton; a brother Glenn Hopkins, Clarks Summit; four grandchildren, and several nieces and a nephew.
A memorial service will be held Monday at 6:30pm from the Clarks Green Assembly of God, 204 S. Abington Rd. Clarks Green Pa. 18411. With services by Rev. Daniel Miller, Pastor. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
The family will receive friends from 4pm until time of service at the church.
Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, 1401 Ash St. Scranton Pa. 18510 and are under the direction of Henry Sobolak III F.D.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sight Life Northeast, 2346 Jacksonville Rd. Bethlehem Pa. 18017.
Libby Hopkins
Love you Pop
Samantha Jones
Love you Uncle Rick
Rappenglueck family
Our deepest condolences Cheryl and family. Keeping you all in prayer.
Hoke
So sorry for your loss Libby
RIP P. Rick
Debra Fuller
Love u uncle Rick. Thanku for marrying me and my husband we are so forever grateful we got to spend our special day with u
Peggy Nichols
Oh my! So sorry for your loss! What a wonderful guy he was! Loved when he led the music at church. He will be missed very much! Rest In Peace, P. Rick. He’s singing for our Lord today!
D Westcott
Cher, Libby & Family,
Extending my deepest sympathy to you all. I was so happy to reunite with Rick a few years ago and glad we stayed in touch. I will hold many happy memories of him very close to my heart. Rest in peace my friend. D
Janice
My sincere sympathy to Cher, and Libby and all the family. P. Rick was such an amazing man. He was such an encourager and loved praising our precious Savior. He made his praise team feel so appreciated and respected. He was a top notch music leader. I will rejoice when I get to see him again in our eternal home.
Jeff, Carol, Nick and Alex Nebraski
Our deepest sympathy Cher and family. Of course he was always “Big Rick” to the boys. His love and talents will be missed.
Neil Ivanoff
An amazing performer, an amazing man, I’m saddened by the news of his passing, but from what I know of his faith, he’s now at peace with the Lord. My deepest condolences to his whole family and loved ones. Rest in peace Rick.
Jim Buckley
May God welcome you with open arms and may you rest in everlasting peace with him. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Mary Ann Menichiello
I am so very sorry > I knew Rick many years ago in the band era. My deepest condolences to his family. Rest in peace. Mary Ann Menichiello
WALLY BARTCZAK
FELLOW WORKER—FELLOW MUSICIAN–GOD BLESS–CHER, OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHIES TO YOU
James Talerico
Sorry for your loss – fellow work from many years ago.