Thomas Hopseker

Thomas Hopseker of Saranac Lake passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 28th at the age of 78.

Born on November 20, 1946 to Hattie Hopseker (Swinyer) and Eri Hopseker. 

Tom grew up in Vermontville and graduated from Saranac Lake High school in 1964. After graduation he attended Auto Mechanic School in Glens Falls before joining the United States Navy in 1966. After his time with the US Navy he returned home to Vermontville and began his lengthy career as a mechanic. Tom married the love of his life, Lana on May 17, 1975. They enjoyed a wonderful life together for nearly 50 years before Lana pre deceased him in November 2024. While we have mourned him deeply, we are comforted by the image of them together again with their dog Vegas. 

Tom was a loving and devoted father to sons Shawn (Sarah) of Champlain and Brett of Bloomingdale. And daughter Trisha (Rocky) of Lake Placid. Proud grandpa to Jacob, Liam, Lukas, Kinsley, Briella and Wyatt. 

For those who were lucky enough to know Tom, know he was a people person to no end. He seemed to know everyone and always had a story to tell. Tom had a love for his community and gave his time over the years in many capacities. He was a volunteer firefighter for over 20 years and was a coach for youth sports for many years while his children were growing up. He coached both baseball and softball and every winter could be found at the Saranac Lake Civic Center coaching his sons and serving as the Pee Wee Hockey Association President. At the time of his passing he was the President of the Saranac Lake Moose Lodge #457. 

Tom had a love for speed from an early age. Whether it was racing himself, or helping friends over the years at the racetrack. He enjoyed NASCAR and going to races with his children. He was a long standing member of Craig Wood Golf Club where he was on the Monday night Men’s league as well as the Senior traveling league. Another big passion of his was bowling. He enjoyed bowling at Romano’s Saranac Lanes on the Monday night Men’s league where he made many long lasting friendships. 

An incredible loss too many, especially to his family. He was always just a call away and would drop anything to help his children and grandchildren. He wasn’t one to wear his heart on his sleeve but we could always feel his love for each and every one of us.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A celebration of life and bowling tournament in his memory will be announced in the near future.