Mr. Lance Gerard Hopkins

On May 12, 2026, Lance Gerard Hopkins of Pittsfield passed away at home with his wife Kathleen and daughter Melissa by his side. Lance was born on August 26, 1938 in San Antonio, Texas to Joseph G. and Ernestine L. Hopkins, a military family. Following high school, he served four years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps, then obtained a degree in Political Science from San Jose State College (CA). He entered federal government service in 1968, retired in 1995, then returned following 9/11 for 15 more years as an independent contractor with providers of services to military units. On September 3, 1972 Lance married Kathleen M. Geary of Pittsfield, whom he met at work in Washington, D.C., and they spent the next 23 years moving from one post to another, mostly abroad. Throughout his life, Lance was an avid reader, master of the charcoal grill, deer and turkey hunter and a friend and mentor to many. He was proud to serve his country and was honored to be a member of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America. Lance leaves Kathleen, the love of his life and bride of over 53 years; their daughter Melissa C. White and husband Javier of Norwalk, CT, and his grandchildren Javier and Sasha; brother-in-law Patrick T. Geary and wife Madelena of Pittsfield; nephew Patrick J. Geary and wife Emily of Pittsfield and their children Mac and Tucker; niece Kristi Schultheis and husband Kurt of Lanesborough and their sons Grey and Jett. Lance was grateful for the love and support he received from family and friends, including those from Walden Village, and for the professional and compassionate care he received from the great staffs at the Phelps Cancer Center, and HospiceCare in the Berkshires. Funeral services for Lance will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 89 Briggs Avenue, Pittsfield, where he served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister, celebrated by the Rev. Matthew Barone, Pastor. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home, 220 East Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lance’s memory can be made to either St. Charles Borromeo Church or HospiceCare in the Berkshires through the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home.

Mr. Lance Gerard Hopkins

August 26, 1938 - May 12, 2026