John E. Hopey

John E. Hopey, 70, of Weymouth, died peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, at South Shore Hospital. He spent his final weeks surrounded by family and friends, whose love and presence brought him comfort.

John was born on September 13, 1955, and grew up in Hingham. After graduating from Hingham High School, he attended Laboure College and became a Respiratory Therapist. He worked at Norfolk County Hospital, University Hospital, and Sinai Rehab in Stoughton. John was an expert in caring for patients with respiratory and pulmonary illnesses. He was a mentor to many respiratory therapy students and a patient, generous teacher to nurses and other healthcare providers throughout his career.

In the 2000s, John volunteered with the USA Hockey Standing Amputee Hockey Team. Through USA Hockey, he traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, as well as to Czechia and Latvia. One of those trips was especially memorable, as he shared it with his son, Michael.

In recent years, John enjoyed attending concerts and baseball games with his children, traveling to Maine to visit his grandchildren, playing real-time strategy games, and riding his bike. He was a familiar face and friend in and around Columbian Square in Weymouth, where he built a community that meant so much to him.

A lifelong Red Sox fan, John proudly claimed to have taken his children to hundreds of games during the years he held season tickets in the 1980s and 1990s. He will be remembered for his quick sense of humor, his voracious love of reading, and his many passions and interests. Most of all, he will be remembered for the love, kindness, and generosity he extended to the many friends who became part of his life.

John is survived by his daughter, Alison Hopey, and her partner, Samuel Knowlton, of Raymond, Maine; his son, Michael Hopey, and his wife, Sheri, and their daughters, of Westbrook, Maine; and Kathy Cahill. He also leaves his sisters, Robin Griffin and Amy Shea, as well as nine nieces and nephews. John cherished his cat, Bagel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Naomi Hopey; his sister, Pamela Cadigan; and his brother, Mark Hopey.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Robert “Irish” Whooly, Linda Rubino, and the community of Columbian Square for the love, friendship, and support they gave John throughout the years.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to the Celebration of Life for John on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 4–7 PM in the Knights of Columbus, 25 Chauncy St., #1, Weymouth, MA 02190. A cocktail hour from 4-5 will be followed by a brief blessing and family speakers starting at 5. Then food and music donated by local establishments in memory of our friend John. Come and celebrate the time you have had with John with all of his family and friends!

“Let there be songs to fill the air.”