David Charles Hopkins passed away on March 18, 2026, in his home in Woodside, New York. He had been a Local 802 member since 1964.

David was born to Noreen Olive (née Drennan) Hopkins and Wallace Duncan Hopkins in Saskatchewan, Canada. He completed a BA in music at the University of Saskatchewan and then earned his master’s degree in music at the University of Indiana.

David then relocated to New York City with his best friend and never looked back. He was an accomplished clarinetist and woodwind doubler, playing flute, piccolo (although not his favorite), and all the saxophones. He also composed and sang many songs on the piano.

He performed with the Metropolitan Opera National touring company and the national tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and was a founding member of the St. Luke’s Chamber Orchestra. He played with the Seuffert Band during the summers.

David also had a long and successful Broadway career playing in the pit in “On the Twentieth Century,” “Barnum” and many others.

He hosted late night jazz nights at Smith’s after the lights went out on the stage.

David recorded three albums and toured in Canada and Finland, where he shared his compositions with enthusiastic crowds. His music still appears on Spotify today, listed as the David Hopkins Jazz Quintet.

When the winds shifted on Broadway in the late 1980s, David refreshed his math skills and briefly taught elementary school math. He then earned his real estate license and was a successful agent at Lansco until his retirement. He prided himself on walking to all his showings and wore out many pairs of size 14 shoes doing so.

His biggest fans were his grandchildren. In turn, he cheered them on in pursuing their athletic skills—although no one has yet taken up hockey.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Kathleen Hopkins; daughters Jesse Ross (Travis Ross), Janet Earley (Katie Soden) and Susan Earley; and his siblings, Marilyn Finlayson, Darla Fisher, Joan Lavender and Richard Hopkins. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Charlie, Bobby and Lucy Ross, as well as many nieces and nephews, and in-laws in Colorado and Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting live music by attending a concert, taking a yoga class (he was an avid Hatha Yoga practitioner for decades) or making a donation to Third Street Music School at www.thirdstreet.nyc.

Obituary submitted by David’s daughter Janet.

David’s wife Kathy Hopkins and daughter Jesse Ross (Hopkins)