Hemlock: Bill went to be with the Lord on January 19, 2019, at age 80, after a short illness. Predeceased by his parents Gordon and Dorothy Hoppough, sister Margaret (Burt) Treble, and aunt Thelma Hoppough. Survived by his wife of 57 years Beverly (Benham) Hoppough and children; Darlene (Kevin) Henry of Hemlock, Daryl (Ana Lilia Gaxiola-) Hoppough of TX, Darrin Hoppough of Irondequoit, Kelly (Gene) Chichester of Hemlock, and Holly (Jeff) Godinez of TX; grandchildren, Corey (Margaret) Hoppough, Kayla (Mark) Bennett, Alicia Henry, Curtis Henry, Elizabeth Rivera, Daniela Rivera, Nathan Chichester, and Tanner Hoppough; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Joyce) Hoppough, Jean Hamilton, and Diane Case. Also survived by many nieces & nephews, great-nieces & -nephews, and many dear friends, including his close friends John Scala, Fred Woodard, Harold Grundman, and Craig Yarnes.
Bill was born on June 12, 1938 to Gordon and Dorothy Hoppough of Hemlock, the fourth of five children. He attended Hemlock High School where he enjoyed playing sports and other shenanigans not involving academics. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the U.S. island territory of Guam. He rarely spoke of his service, but was a very patriotic veteran, and made sure his kids had respect for the flag and our country. Upon returning to Hemlock, he married Beverly Benham on April 22, 1961. They purchased a home on Main Street and spent many years remodeling it to accommodate their growing family. Bill worked at Bernhardt Lumber in Hemlock for many years installing kitchens, baths, and doing general remodeling and carpentry. In 1980 he began working “trick shift” in the Silver Recovery department of Eastman Kodak in Rochester until his retirement. Besides being a loyal, hardworking, faithful and dependable husband, dad, uncle and friend, Bill was a great fan of hunting, fishing, the Cleveland Browns and NY Yankees. He is listed in the NYS “Big Buck Club” for a deer he took in Richmond, NY. He attended every school play, chorus or band concert, basketball or little league game he could for his grandkids and was always supportive and genuinely interested in their lives. He undertook an 8-year restoration of a 1949 Chevy pickup with his son-in-law Gene and won many trophies at local car shows. He traveled south to help rebuild after hurricane destruction and to Alaska to help at a Christian summer camp. Bill “rescued” many dogs over the years and always favored the hunting breeds. He was active in the Hemlock Fire Department and served as chief in the 1970’s, was a faithful servant of the Lord, active in the United Methodist Church in Hemlock; enjoyed serving and helping others. He set a great example for his children and grandchildren; his sense of humor and compassion will be greatly missed by all who knew and adored him.
A Service to Celebrate Bill’s Life will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 11, 2019at the Hemlock United Methodist Church, 4616 Main Street, Hemlock, NY, with military honors. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Hemlock United Methodist Church, 4616 N. Main Street, Hemlock, NY 14466. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Livonia: At age 82, Mary Ellen passed away peacefully on January 29, 2019 with her family by her side. She was born in Angelica, NY to the late Leonard and Almeda Hargraves. Mary Ellen is predeceased by her husband; Carmen Griffo, her son Charles Griffo and her sisters; Virginia McKnight and Beverlee Loper. Survived by her children; Joseph Griffo of Gates, NC; John (Cindy) Griffo of Franklin, OH; and Charlene (Paul) Leistman of Livonia, NY; and her grandchildren; Ricari, Jermayn, Jazzmyn, Michael, Desirea, Jacob Griffo, Samantha, and Rebecca Leistman.
