Legacy Stories
Showcasing people who inspired the launch of the Hopper-Belmont Foundation
Paul F. Hopper, Ph.D.
A member of the “Greatest Generation”, at the age of 17, Paul was the leading commander of the Navy ROTC at the College of the Holy Cross. Later, he entered active battle at age 18 as a Navy Lieutenant in the Battle of Midway. Paul then continued to Notre Dame, earning a PhD in Organic Chemistry. This led to a vibrant and fulfilling global leadership career in health and nutrition, launching the World Food Prize, working with government agencies, and high-profile roles in major corporation. This father of four children (and grandfather of eight) succumbed in his early 70’s to pancreatic cancer, following his brother’s battle with this dreadful cancer also.
Gloria Belmont Hopper
The 10th of 12 siblings (11 girls) to successful Italian immigrants, Gloria’s 94 years of life were primarily dedicated to family, church, and community. The President of one of the Northeast USA’s most successful grain and feed businesses, Gloria, faced cancer amongst her siblings and grandson, including ovarian, breast, kidney, and pediatric brain cancer. Her estate helped to launch the HBF, which has now supported 25 world-class early investigators across numerous cancers.
John Menna
John Menna dedicated nearly 40 years to Greenwich, Connecticut, as a devoted school leader, church lector, Rotarian, and sports announcer. In retirement on Cape Cod with his wife, Joan, he enjoyed an active life centered around family, golf, and the beach. His life changed when vague symptoms led to a stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Despite exhausting treatments at Massachusetts General Hospital, John fought with quiet dignity and resilience for 15 months. Pancreatic cancer often goes undetected until it is too late. At HBF, we honor John's memory by funding early-career researchers to advance cancer treatments and find a cure.
Maureen Paula Hopper
Maureen Paula Hopper was an initial member of the Hopper-Belmont Foundation during its formation. She was taken too soon on April 14, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic and is sorely missed. Despite facing physical and mental health challenges in her adult life, Maureen was able to take leadership roles in organizations such as the American Red Cross, where she was nationally recognized for her contributions. The Foundation forever thanks her, along with parents Paul and Gloria, as inspiration to keep supporting talent who strive to better this world through their health and wellness initiatives.
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Together, these family values and vision fuel HBF’s belief that anyone, from any background, can spark scientific breakthroughs that change lives.