Robert Hopperton

Bob Hopperton, originally from Berea, Ohio died surrounded by family after a long battle with dementia in October of this year.

Bob, a consummate Law Professor and lifelong learner dedicated himself to his family, philanthropic passions, and his career.

Bob graduated from Baldwin Wallace cum laude in 1963. Bob went on to Naval OCS in Georgia and graduated November 22, 1963. He proudly served as a LTJG Cargo Officer (much like the Jack Lemon character in the movie “Mr. Roberts” replenishing the USS Midway) onboard the USS Graffias until November 1966. He then moved to Oakland, CA where he worked for the Oakland Redevelopment Agency. Shortly after, he spent time as a Toledo resident, where he earned his Master’s Degree in History from The University of Toledo in 1969. The final education feather in his cap was earning his JD at The Ohio State University where he graduated cum laude. To know Bob was to understand his true passion for The Ohio State Buckeyes.

After Law School, he was the first Consumer Protection Division Director and Assistant Director of the OH Dept of Commerce. During this time is when he met his wife of 49 years, Peggy, while working together for the Department of Commerce. Bob and Peggy were married in May of 1975.

Bob’s first teaching job was at The Ohio State Law School where he taught for a year before moving to The University of Dayton Law School in 1976. Bob had a short tenure in Dayton and was awarded Professor of the Year before moving to The University of Toledo College of Law. Bob taught Law School in Toledo for 38 years until retirement in 2015.

Bob served on many committees and boards. To name a few, The Ohio State Bar Association, United Way, TMACOG, the OH EPA, Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission, Toledo Bar Association, and President of Hospice of NWOH. He was a published author and affectionately referred to as “Property Bob” by students.

After moving to Toledo, Bob and Peggy had their hopes and dreams come true with the arrival of their son and daughter, Peter and Maggie. Bob always made time for his family and especially enjoyed vacations to Nantucket with them.

Bob spent the last decade enjoying long walks with his devoted companion, Teddy. He could be found putzing around the golf course, reading all of Winston Churchill’s writings, and travelling. He truly enjoyed his latest title of “GrandBob” and spending lots of silly time with his beloved grandchildren.

Bob will be deeply missed by his wife, son and daughter, their supportive spouses, and grandchildren. The family would like to express deep gratitude for their friends and family as they have shown love and true kindness through what has been a long and sometimes sad journey. His family is profoundly thankful for the compassion and care that the Ashanti Hospice staff showed both Bob and his family as they walked with them through this final step of his life the last two years.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of the above mentioned organizations that speak to you.