Robert L. Hopper

Robert L. Hopper, 81, of New Castle, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, surrounded by family.
​
Born on November 17, 1944, in New Castle, Bob was the son of the late John Whan and Sophronia (Louer) Hopper. A graduate of Mohawk High School, Bob pursued higher education before beginning a lifelong career in the trades. He started alongside his father at J Whan Hopper Roofing and Heating, mastering the skills of roofing, HVAC, and plumbing.
​His career later took him to Maryland, where he spent several years providing HVAC services for the National Security Agency (NSA). However, his heart was always in his hometown. He eventually returned to New Castle to establish his own successful business, Hoppee's Heating and Air Conditioning.

​Bob shared over 30 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Jodi (Cvetan) Hopper. Together, they built a life full of wonderful memories and simple pleasures. Bob was a man who truly believed the journey was just as important as the destination; he loved road trips with Jodi, always opting for the "back roads" or the most scenic route they could find.
 ​
​​Bob was a man who never met a stranger. To the local community, he was a fixture on the road, easily recognized by his signature yellow truck. Whether he was out on a service call to help a neighbor or simply making his rounds to check in on a friend, Bob was always out and about, keeping the connections in his community strong.

Beyond his well-known love for his Lionel train collection, Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He lived for the time spent with his children and grandchildren, and the annual family reunion was the undisputed highlight of his year-a time to connect with relatives from near and far.
 ​
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers: Captain Richard Hopper, Dr. John Hopper, and Captain Thomas Hopper.
He is survived by his wife, Jodi, and their three children: Joelene (Jim) Bingham, Dan (Andrea) Hopper, and Joel (Ashley) Hopper.
His four children with Esther (Swanson) Henry: Beth (Rob) Westover, David (Amy) Hopper, Gretchen Hopper, Linnea (Jeff) Rohrer.
He is also survived by 15 grandchildren:
Katie (Brandon) Brown, Jamie (Stacie) Priddy, Chelsea (Kyle) Lindy, Logan (Lilliann) Hopper, Keigan Hopper, Mason Hopper, Kelcey Seth, Jaden Daniels, Chloe Rohrer, Adonia Bingham, Avelina Bingham, Anderson Hopper, Padraic Shabe, Theo Hopper, and Emalynn Hopper.
and 3 great-grandchildren:
Lainee Lindy, Avery Lindy, and Charlotte Hopper.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers: Captain Richard Hopper, Dr. John Hopper, and Captain Thomas Hopper.

Visiting hours will be held on  ​Wednesday, January  7, 2026 from  4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Terry Cunningham Funeral Home 203 Oak Street, Bessemer, PA., 
and on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 from  10:00 AM - 10:45 AM at Westfield Presbyterian Church 1363 Mt. Jackson Road, New Castle, PA., followed by 
a Funeral Service at 11: 00 AM.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert L. Hopper, please visit our floral store.