John "Jack" A. Hopkins

John “Jack” Adams Hopkins, 93, of Hebron, CT, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, at the Mansfield Center Nursing & Rehabilitation facility. He was the beloved husband of Judy Towers Hopkins. He grew up in Barrington, RI, the son of Charles and Ora Adams Hopkins.

Jack graduated from St. George’s School and went on to Brown University, where he graduated and met and married Carlyn Wegner. He served for two years in the U.S. Navy as part of the ROTC program, an experience that provided him with a lifetime of stories and reflections.

Jack found an opportunity to own a lumber yard and purchased Eastford Building Supply. He and Carlyn settled in Eastford and had two children, Elizabeth “Betsy” and Steven. Years later, they were divorced. Jack continued to make Eastford Building Supply a profitable business, providing work for local people for 45 years.

Through his work he met many people and developed numerous lasting relationships with clients and suppliers. Jack met and married Judy Towers, who joined him working in the business.

He and Judy were particularly pleased to work closely with Mike Kolakowski in developing The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for Paul Newman in Ashford, CT. In 1990, Jack won the Lumber Person of the Year award given by the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association.

His many interests included sailing, woodworking, playing tennis, reading nonfiction especially about the American Revolution, volunteering at St. Mark’s Episcopal Chapel, and traveling. He was an avid UConn women’s basketball fan. Above all, he took a great interest in the lives and accomplishments of the younger generations. Together, he and Judy enjoyed celebrations and visits with their blended family, making Jack “Grandfather” to grand- and great-grandchildren.

In addition to Judy, his wife of 46 years, he leaves his daughter Elizabeth Hopkins (Thomas Appleton), his stepchildren Cynthia Towers and Pamela (Timothy) Hurley, Jeffrey (Sue) Towers, and Douglas (Anna) Towers, his brother Bruce (Genie) Hopkins, and his grandchildren Sean Hurley, Ryan Hurley, Kathryn Hurley Burroughs, James Towers, Jackson Towers, Forrest Towers, Emily Appleton, and Sarah Appleton. He also leaves five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Steven Hopkins and his brothers Charles “Ned” Hopkins and Jeffrey Hopkins.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Chapel, 42 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06268.

Donations in his memory may be made to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (Hopkins-Towers fund) www.holeinthewallgang.org, 555 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511, or to a charity of your choice. To leave an online condolence please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com