Michael Thomas Hopkins, decorated veteran
Michael Thomas Hopkins died peacefully from heart and renal failure at Vitas Hospice in Philadelphia, Pa., Saturday, April 19, 2025, the day after his 70th birthday, with his devoted wife, Julie, by his side. Mike was an only child, and he was preceded in death by his parents, Christiane Hopkins and (Ret.) Air Force MSGT Michael Hopkins. He was the only grandson of the colorful actress Miriam Hopkins, who was active on Broadway and in Hollywood for over four decades. Mike leaves behind his stepson, Christopher (Amy) Hovden; and loving grandchildren, Grace, Reagan, Cameron, Archer and Elin Hovden; nephew, Eric Frazier; many dear cousins in the Netherlands and France; and many devoted friends near and far.
Mike was born in Kenitra, Morocco, April 18, 1955, while his father was stationed at the U.S. Air Force base. The family moved around the U.S. and France before settling in Riverside, Calif., in 1965. Mike attended St. Thomas the Apostle School and Notre Dame High School, where he was active in track, football, and wrestling. He attended Riverside Community College and received a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University. Mike enlisted in the Navy in 1983 and served on submarines and aircraft carriers around the world. Mike was a deckplate leader aboard the USS Enterprise in the Persian Gulf on 9/11 and was intricately involved in the American response to the attacks on the World Trade Center. Mike was deeply committed to defending our country and our Constitution from enemies foreign and domestic, serving in the Middle East, Africa, Kosovo, the Arctic, the Antarctic, and the Pacific Rim. His last duty station was at the U.S. Embassy in London. Between active and civilian duty, Mike served the DoD for almost 35 years, was proud of his service to his country, and received 26 medals and commendations for his service. One of Mike’s favorite songs was “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” because he felt he had knocked on heaven’s door many times during his lifetime.
Mike was a man of many interests; he was an avid collector of coins, pocket watches, crystals, and antique British silver, much to his wife Julie’s dismay. Mike loved football, and his devotion travelled from the San Diego Chargers to the Washington Redskins and finally settled with the Green Bay Packers; he was thrilled to attend his first Packers game at Lambeau Field last September. Mike was passionate about history and world religions, and studied the Bible, the Torah, and the Koran. He was a Living Historian with the Southern Grays of Virginia and traveled to National Park battlefields in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia to demonstrate Civil War soldier formations, rifle and cannon firing, and display wares from the Civil War period. He loved traveling and meeting people and could say, “Hello, how are you” in about 10 languages. As a student of history, Mike loved nothing more than deep discussions with friends about history and the future of the world and humanity. His college friend, Jim Hopkins (no relation), recently wrote to Mike, “You bring so much personal interest and energy to every relationship, and I am so happy to have you as my best and most wonderful friend.”
Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Monday, May 5, at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, Va. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m., at Grace Episcopal Church, 3601 Russell Road, Alexandria, Va. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.
