The Valley Breeze

3/20/2010

Michael E. Hopton - Glocester

Michael E. Hopton, Glocester Police Department, Smithfield Police Department, captain, retired, 47, of Joe Sweet Road, Glocester died Oct. 12, 2009.

He was the husband of Deborah M. (Paquette) Hopton. Born in Guam, Philippines, he was a son of Francis and Margaret (Ochs) Hopton of Little Compton. Michael began his career with the Smithfield Police Department, holding several appointments, retiring as captain and detective commander after 20 years of service in 2004. He was appointed as a full-time police officer in the Glocester Police Department in 2006. He was transferred as a school resource officer in 2008. During his career as a police officer, he received many commendations, including a life saving commendation in 2007. He coached the Mount St. Charles softball team, the Mount St. Charles boys cross country team, Warwick PAL wrestling and NRI Hockey. Michael was a 1980 graduate of Warwick Veterans Memorial High School. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from Roger Williams College, a master’s degree from Salve Regina University and a juris doctor degree from Roger Williams University. In 2001 he passed the Rhode Island Bar exam and was admitted to the practice of law in the state of Rhode Island.

Besides his wife and parents he leaves two children, Shawn and Ryan; a granddaughter, Lorin; a brother, Frank Hopton of Little Compton; and two sisters, Julie Kenny of North Carolina and Jeanne Hopton of Providence.

His funeral will be held Monday at 8:45 a.m. from the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Michael Church, Smithfield. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland. Calling hours are Sunday from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 222 Richmond St., #108, Providence, RI 02903.