Obituary of Leo R. Hoppy

Leo R. Hoppy Allegany – Leo R. Hoppy, formerly of Valley View Estates, died Tuesday October 18, 2005 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Born in Buffalo, NY on April 26, 1915 he was a son of Peter and Martha Lauta Hoppy. On November 11, 1944 he married Jean Markley who predeceased him January 1, 1987. He later married Vivian Derry at St. Bonaventure Church on August 13, 1994. Vivian predeceased him October 6, 1998. Mr. Hoppy served as a Sergeant in the United States Army during WWII where he served in Rhineland and Central Europe. He earned the American Theater Service medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service medal and the Good Conduct medal. Shortly after the war, he joined the Army Reserve where he was promoted to Sergeant Major in 1963 of the Second Battalion, 98th Regiment. In 1969 he was appointed Commander Sergeant Major. This was the highest enlistment rank in the US Army. In 1973 he was presented the Albert Gallatin award, the Secretary of the Treasury's highest length of service award. He retired from the Army Reserve in 1975 after a distinguished military career that spanned 32 years. He was employed for the IRS for 30 years retiring in 1976. Leo was an active member of the Olean Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of St. Bonaventure Church, the Allegany American Legion, a fourth degree member of the Allegany Knights of Columbus council #1220, the 60 plus club and did volunteer income tax preparation for seniors. He was an avid reader. He is survived by a son Bruce (Sandy) Hoppy of Allegany; a daughter Judy (Judson) Smith of Walworth, NY; a step daughter Diane (Russell) Svendson of Katy, TX; two grandchildren; three step grandchildren; several step great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wives, he was predeceased by a daughter Janice Hoppy and two brothers Edward and Norbert Hoppy. Friends will be received on Thursday October 20, 2005 at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 West State Rd., Olean from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday (Oct. 21) beginning with a prayer service at the funeral home at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Bonaventure Church. Fr. Richard Husted, OFM will be celebrant. Committal services and military honors will follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Allegany Library or to St. Bonaventure Church.