Contributions to the tribute of Eugene E. Hoopes

J

John Kuhi posted a symbolic gesture

Saturday, January 29, 2022

I met Gene about 20 years ago at the NJEA 5k race in Atlantic City. Gene was the timer, and I ran the race. I also timed races and we struck up a conversation about clocks, Gene was such a pleasant person we became friends instantly. I was shocked to find out Gene had passed away, I had planned to call him this past week to repair one of my digital clocks. I often talked to Gene on the phone regarding how I could do some repairs myself. Gene cared about people. He had called me, which must have been days before his death, to ask me how I was doing. After his wife passed away we had discussed my battle with cancer. Just last year he gave me a tour of his home. It was full of digital clocks. He loved to explain how the different clock worked. Ne never told me he had cancer.

A

Annie Byers uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, September 26, 2021

So, without further adieu, let me tell you about my father, my dad, and my best friend. He was born Eugene Edward Hoopes. We all know him as Gene, which I think is short for Genius, rather than Eugene. Dad was born in Camden on January 28, 1947 to Marie and Gene Hoopes. My grandfather, Eugene Joseph Hoopes was a Sergeant in the Army Air Corps. They had my dad later in life. Marie was 41 and Gene was 44 when my dad was born. Dad was an only child. They lived in Blue Anchor on a small farmette right by the railroad tracks, and I mean right by the railroad tracks, it went through their backyard. That was where my dad’s love for trains began. He Loved Trains. He had a model train set as a child and also as an adult. We still have those model trains. On their farm, they raised chickens. My dad had dogs and cats as pets on the farm while he was growing up. Gene was always interested in anything with engines. My grandfather was a mechanic and a farmer and he taught my dad alot about engines and farming, two things my father focused on his entire life. My dad went to Hammonton High School and he was in the Future Farmers of America. He was a shy guy back then, he had a few close friends, and he kept to himself. In the winter of 1965, when my dad was 18, my grandfather passed away. He and my grandmother moved to Hammonton after that. After High School, Dad worked at Whitehall Laboratories as a Building Maintenance man. In 1966, he bought himself a brand new Shelby Mustang GT 350. He was really proud of that car. In 1967 he met my mom while they both worked at Whitehall and they started dating. My mom’s family really loved my dad, especially my mom’s baby sister Patti. She always adored him, she called him “Gor Gene,” the Gor stood for Gorgeous. A few months after they were dating, dad sold his Mustang and bought an engagement ring. He and mom got married on June 20, 1968 and I was born in May of 1969. I am their only child. In 1972, my parents bought a piece of land on 1st road and they built a barn. They bought a little white pony named Tinkerbell and while my Dad, my Poppop and my dad’s friends built our family home, my mom would take me to play with my pony. My grandma Marie Hoopes died in 1973 when my dad was 25. We had just moved into our new home and my dad’s little family had gotten even smaller. Fortunately, my Mom’s family loved my dad, and he went from being an only child to having a big Italian family that never let things get boring. He had a strong relationship with everyone in my Mom ‘s family. They spoke to him often and thought of him as a brother. He looked after my Mommom, and visited with her, and checked in on her daily, up until she passed. She loved him like a son, as did my Pop Pop Joe Capelli. Dad left Whitehall and started working for NJ Bell. He had made many friends in Whitehall and those friendships lasted his lifetime. Dad worked his way up the ladder in NJ Bell, which then became Verizon and he stayed with the company, eventually retiring from Verizon. In that time he has gotten his Electrical Contractor's License, HVAC Certification, welding certification and more. He had made so many friends during his career with the “phone company” as he and his friends called it. He would talk to many of those friends almost every day, up until the day he died. Growing up with Gene Hoopes as my dad was a blessing beyond measure. He was always teaching me something. He taught me how to read a map at a very young age. When we were on road trips, I was always the copilot from the backseat of his pickup truck following the map route attentively. Our more recent road trips involved a Garmin or Waze, but our conversations were always interesting. I always loved traveling with my dad, because we got along so well together. He had a great respect for nature. He would bring home turtles and frogs and let me keep them for a day and then we would set them free. He took care of my ponies when I was little and taught me how to do things the right way, safely. He would pull my friends and me on sleds behind his tractor in the snow. He always found a way to make things fun for me and my friends. We would take vacations with my parents' friends every summer and every winter. We had a camper and would travel all over the US, sightseeing and exploring new places. In the winter, we would go skiing in Vermont with all of my parents' friends. We would rent a mountain Chalet and everyone would stay there together. Dad had taken up amateur photography and his favorite subject was trains. Everywhere we went we would chase trains for a cool photo opportunity of a train in the snow on a mountainside or one crossing over the river over an old truss bridge. We started flying places and when I was in 2nd grade we went to Spain for two weeks. We traveled to Bermuda, Lake Tahoe, California, Canada and everywhere on the East Coast and all states between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River. My dad truly loved my mom, and he did everything she wanted to make her happy. When she took up long distance running, he joined in with her and supported her 100%. Although he couldn’t keep up with her running, he embraced the friendships that they made. He was even an officer in their running club, South Jersey AC. My parents would throw big parties after the races that were always a big hit. Dad supported my mom opening her Athlete’s Korner Sporting Goods store and then together they started their race timing business. He made so many meaningful friendships through the race business too. One very special highlight for my little family was in 1984 when my mom was picked to run the Olympic Torch in the Torch Relay across the US. For a week my dad and I followed the torch caravan from Ohio to Mississippi. It was such an incredible experience and we witnessed US patriotism that was inspiring. Speaking of patriotism, my father was proud to be an American and he loved this country. He always said Buy American, keep Americans working. But, Getting back to the race timing business, for over 30 years my dad worked his weekend doing races, and did so for the 8 years after my mom passed. Again, he made so many beautiful and meaningful friendships through the races. Fred, Carol, Mark, Kim, Mike, Avelina, Billy, Lori, Gene, Anne Nuestader, and the list goes on and on. He made friends all over the East Coast because of the race business and he enjoyed his relationships with those friends immensely. Dad enjoyed sharing his interests in trains with his friend Tony, his friend Elmer, his grandson, Frankie and Frankie's friends, and his friends from the Patcong Model Train Club, Conrail and NJ Transit. He could talk for hours about trains. He knew everything you could know about them, the infrastructure, the old rail lines and where they were all over New Jersey. We spent a lot of quality time together around the trains. I recently moved into a home that is a half a block from some train tracks. The last time he was at my house we walked down the street to watch it go by. I will always think of him every time I see a train. Gene was incredibly intelligent and was well versed in many subjects. He had a photographic memory. By a show of hands here, how many of you have learned something in speaking with my dad? He had a brilliant mind that was of genius caliber. He remembered everything and he could fix anything. If something broke, he would fabricate something to fix it. How many of you here had something repaired or installed by my dad? He loved helping people. He wanted to make things better for everyone he encountered. Dad taught me so much in my life, he was my greatest teacher of life skills. He taught me how to drive the pony cart when I was really little. He taught me how to ride a bicycle, a dirt bike,and then a moped. He taught me how to drive a tractor, How to mow the lawn on the riding lawn mower and how to drive a stick shift. I don’t know why he was so surprised when I “borrowed” the car at 15, I mean taught me how to drive when I was 10 years old, what did he expect? He also taught me how to check and change my oil, how to change a tire, how to change a headlight or taillight, or how to figure things out by taking the manual to something and reading it. Just like many of you, when I had a problem, I could call Gene and he would talk me through how to fix it. How many of you can say that he helped you fix something by a phone call? Many of you, I’m sure. Dad had a particular affection for Ford Tractors, and Ford Trucks. When he was younger he had a really cool old Ford Truck my aunt Maria loved. He preferred Fords. After that, I would say he was ok with Chevys and GM’s but his motto was always NO MOPAR. He would say I would rather drive no Car than a Mopar. If you know trucks you know what I am talking about. My dad was not a fan of Dodge, and if it wasn’t made in America, he really wasn’t too interested in trying to fix it. Again, he had so many friends he enjoyed hours and hours talking about trucks, cars, equipment, tools and heavy machinery. He also shared that interest with his grandson, Frankie and all of Frankie’s friends. He loved when Frankie and his crew would visit with all their trucks and tinker in them in his shop. He also enjoyed going to the Salem County Fair with Frankie to look at the antique tractors and Watch the tractor pulls. Spending time with Frankie and Gianna was very special to him and they are lucky to have so many fond memories. Not too long ago I told my dad he was directly responsible for my daughter Gianna’s love for horses. He said “why’s that?” I told him that if he hadn’t allowed me to have the ponies and horses I had as a kid, I would have never known the joy I have from them, and therefore, neither would Gianna.I have a vivid memory of my dad and my pony Peyton. It was during a hurricane, Peyton had Colic and my dad walked him around in circles in the garage all night until Peyton was ok. He wasn’t going to let that pony die on his watch, and he didn’t. He was very supportive of Gianna’s sport and showed great interest in it. He would travel to events to watch her ride. He drove to Maryland many times to see her compete at Fairhill. He drove with me down to South Carolina and Georgia twice, for several days, to watch her compete. While he was there he would check her oil and service the horse trailer to make sure she was safe. He would help grooming the horses, or holding them or walk the course with us and the trainer and listen intently to what they discussed. Although he never rode a horse, he was very well versed in equine knowledge. Those memories we have with him are priceless. Dad loved making and drinking wine. He enjoyed this with neighbor and dear friend, Anthony, Anthony's sons in law and their friends. Most of the time when I would call him in the evening, he would be at the Aiello’s having a glass of wine and talking about trucks, politics and world news. They solved many of the world’s problems over a glass of wine. My dad was funny, with a dry sense of humor. Those of you who know him well know what I am talking about. He was really funny without ever having to try to be funny. He would say things so spot on with a straight face and then he would laugh after everyone else was cracking up. My dad was also very serious about safety. He made sure that he did things by the book. He enjoyed driving and he drove carefully no matter what. He made sure that everyone he cared about had the proper amount of air in the tires of their vehicles, that their brakes worked well and the oil levels were full. He had a thing for flashlights and had an unusual amount of them. He also gave everyone he cared about a flashlight, or two. He never wanted anyone to be in the dark. Another thing he loved was tracking the weather. It was a hobby of his. He had meteorology equipment in the house which he paid a lot of attention to. He would call me to tell me if bad weather was coming. He’d call and say - Take your awnings in Annie, there’s some bad weather ahead. He knew all of the cloud formations and could tell you when a storm was going to hit by looking at the horizon. My dad also loved sunsets. He and I had a thing together for them. I would send him pictures of a beautiful sunset or he would call me to tell me to look at the sunset. Whenever I see the sunset I think of him. He didn’t really like the snow and cold weather much, but he surely liked plowing the snow with his truck or tractor and he would plow for his neighbors, his friends and my grandparents, always making sure that everyone was safe and well. I want you all to know that my dad was a man of Faith and he prayed every day. When I found out about the cancer, I asked him if he was afraid. He said he was not afraid, he said he was satisfied with his life and that he lived a good life, with a loving family and great friends. He once told my aunt Maria that he lived longer than he expected because his parents died so young. He never wanted to linger or suffer and he passed away quickly in his home and that is what he wanted. Dad looked out for me and everyone else up until his very last days. "I love you. Be safe. Spend time with your family," he would say. I have had so many conversations with many of my Dad’s friends over the last four weeks. He was very loved by so many people. He was one of the good ones. Salt of the Earth as they say. The passing of Gene Hoopes was a great loss in our community of family and friends that loved him. He was humble, he was kind, he was caring and loyal. He was a true friend to those who knew him. Heaven gained an angel on August 29,2021. Rest in Peace, Dad. WE ALL miss you.

J

Joe Capelli posted a condolence

Saturday, September 25, 2021

Annie, We are shocked and saddened that your Dad is no longer with us. Gene was a unique, friendly person, and a family man. Someone to be proud to know an associate with. Someone always willing to help, lend a hand, and rely on. He was very proud of you, loved you, and your children very much. There will never be another man like him. It's our loss that he left so soon. He's probably up there with your Mom timing a race, or maybe he's in a barn tinkering with a tractor with your grandfather, or playing with his trains, or in a garden tending to his crops, or doing some electrical work. But one thing for sure, he's watching over you and your children. Love, Aunt Geneva & Uncle Joe Capelli

A

Annie Byers Posted Sep 27, 2021 at 2:15 PM

Thank you, Uncle Joe. I didn't expect this at all. Thank you for the prayers I love you and I Miss you.

Report

J

Joanne M Gallo posted a condolence

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Annie, I was very shocked to read of your dad's passing. He's with your mom now knowing they did their job bringing up the best daughter, wife and mother. My heart is broken for you. They have always been proud of you so continue your work here on earth and make them prouder. God Bless, Love, Joanne Gallo

A

Annie Byers Posted Sep 27, 2021 at 2:17 PM

Thank you, Joanne. I will do my best to make them proud. Love to you.

Report

S

Shane posted a symbolic gesture

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Mr. Hoopes was the Einstein of modern times. He was the smartest man I have ever known. I had the privilege to be his friend and most importantly with him many of night with cold beer in hand solving all the problems of the world. Cheers to 8 lugs, Ford trucks, John Deere tractors, and President Trump. -Shane

A

Annie Byers Posted Sep 27, 2021 at 2:16 PM

Thank you, Shane. I know my Dad thought very highly of you and enjoyed your company, always. Than you for being such a great friend to him!RHBy

Report

L

Linda & Bob Capelli uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, September 18, 2021

We looked forward to spending time with Jane and Gene during Winter visits to their Orlando condo for many years, in addition to time spent at their home during many visits to Hammonton. We treasured the time with Gene after Jane passed and had a similar routine every year. We spent time at their condo having a meal, catching up, reminiscing and drinking red wine, frequently made by Gene. It was a period of weeks that we looked forward to every year. We had our favorite restaurants to frequent, Tibby’s, Carrabba’s, Sonny’s, La Hacienda, to name a few and one time, a Phillies Spring Training game. Sometimes Gene would come up and spend the night and then we would have a huge breakfast the next day or he would stop for breakfast on his way North. This picture is so typical of those times. Gene was always anxious to help with whatever needed to be done and he was like MacGyver. He could figure out anything and had such an incredible base of knowledge. In this picture, he and Bob are determining how to secure our lighted pot rack. I am quite sure that Gene’s ingenious solution will stand the test of time. I can’t imagine having a better brother-in-law. Gene was a genuinely good man who was generous with his time and expertise and maintained lifetime friendships. We will miss Gene and Jane always and hold dear the special moments we shared.

A

Annie Byers Posted Sep 20, 2021 at 8:34 PM

This is beautiful, Aunt Linda. Thank you. Love you.

Report

G

Gene gleason posted a condolence

Thursday, September 16, 2021

I worked with Gene at Verizon, he was one of the smartest men I ever met. He had a sense of humor that lightened everyone’s day. I stayed in touch with him throughout our 20 years of retirement. Talked 2 or 3 times a week. Devastated when I learned he passed . The. World was a better place with gene Hoopes His friend gene gleason, asheboro North Carolina

A

Annie Byers Posted Sep 20, 2021 at 8:32 PM

Thank you, Gene. My dad appreciated you and enjoyed friendship as well. ❤

Report

L

Leslie LoSasso uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, September 4, 2021

My condolences, Annie and family. This photo of your dad was taken at the Aiello's, making wine.

A

Annie Byers Posted Sep 8, 2021 at 1:55 PM

Thank you. I really appreciate this. What a fantastic memory this is. - ❤ Annie

Report

I

The family of Eugene E. Hoopes uploaded a photo

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Eugene E. "Gene" Hoopes

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Visitation at Main Service

Mass

Burial

Our Location:

Map:

Our Associations:

Contact Us:

Quick Links: