Anthony V. Hoppa

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., the son of Valentine “Bill” and Stella (Przybylski) Hoppa.

Tony honorably served as a damage controlman in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War. After being discharged, he attended Buffalo State College where he earned his bachelors and masters degrees in education. His teaching career spanned more than 35 years, mainly with the Gowanda Central School District in Gowanda, N.Y., where he taught industrial arts and also served as a department chair. He also taught summer Driver Ed in Gowanda and surrounding areas for many years. Prior to teaching in Gowanda, he taught adult education in the Silver Creek, N.Y. School District.

Tony married the former Carolyn V. Barreca at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Silver Creek in 1955. Tony and Carol raised their family in Gowanda, and were members of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. Tony was a life member of the American Legion Post 409 where he also served as past commander and was on the club’s Military Honor/Color Guard. In addition, he served many years as an assessor and building inspector for the Village of Gowanda and as a member of the Town of Collins Review Board.

Survivors include his devoted and beloved wife, Carolyn Hoppa of 67 years. Loving father of Bill (Katy) Hoppa, Jim (Diana) Hoppa, Betsy (Bobbie) Walker and Tony (Jill) Hoppa. Proud grandpa to Jennifer (Samir) Bootwala, Carrie (Curt) Moseley, Callie Walker, Michael Hoppa, Christopher Hoppa, Jake Hoppa and Jerry Hoppa. Great-grandpa to Nate and Mia Moseley. Tony is also survived by siblings: Eleanor (late Henry) Was and Mary (late Edward) Szatkowski, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Tony was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Hoppa; and three sisters: Helen Hutch, Irene Lehner and Emily Wilhelm.

A Memorial Mass with full military honors will take place at a later date from St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Gowanda; interment to follow in the Holy Cemetery, and will be announced by the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME, 44 Center St.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 26 Erie Ave. Gowanda, NY 14070.