Obituary of Leo Bruce Hopewell

Leo “Bruce” Hopewell III passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 27, 2025 in New York City.

Bruce was born May 31, 1969 in Manhattan to Leo Bruce II and Barbara (Heitner) Hopewell, both preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Jennice “Jenn” Lehman-Hopewell, his son Ethan (Hopewell) Nickel, and his cat companion Maze Hopewell. 

Bruce attended Oglethorpe University in Georgia and returned to NYC, the city he loved. After years in the restaurant industry, Bruce spent 11 years as the director of marketing at the Council for Better Business Bureau in the Advertising Division.  He spent the last 10 years following his passion as an artist and writer. His presence could be heard and felt from miles away. He lived life to the fullest and loved unconditionally. Bruce enjoyed sailing, spending his days in Central Park, at The Met, MOMA or Whitney, tending to the neighborhood trees, or just exploring new neighborhoods.  He was an avid reader with a library filled with philosophy, poetry, and history, and retained every word.

A celebration of life will be held at Iggy’s New York on the Upper East Side on May 18, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Art Student League of New York or Central Park Conservatory.

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