Charles A. "Buddy" Hophan

SMSGT (ret) Charles A. “Buddy” Hophan, age 76, of Gulfport, MS passed away on Monday, September 17, 2012. He was born July 14, 1936 in Philadelphia, PA. Buddy retired after almost 40 years in the military, working at MS ANG base for 36 of those years in vehicle maintenance. He was a member of St. John Evangelist Catholic Church and was an avid golfer. Buddy touched the lives of many people and will be sorely missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Ida Hophan of Philadelphia, PA; his wife, Gloria T. Bentz Hophan and daughter, Charlotte A. Hophan Smith both of Gulfport, MS; brother, William “Billy” Hophan of Philadelphia, PA. Buddy leaves behind his son, Richard D. Hophan and wife, Darlene Beach Hophan; son-in-law, Charles V. “Chad” Smith, Jr.; three grandchildren, Charles V. “Clay” Smith III, Christina Marie Hophan and Cassie Ann Smith all of Gulfport; sister, Linda Polsky and spouse, William Polsky of Chalfont, PA; sister-in-law, Elaine Hophan of Philadelphia, PA and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Evangelist Catholic Church in Gulfport. Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until mass time. Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to: The American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS 39507. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.