William “Bill” Gordon Stoops Sr., age 92, of New Canaan, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 17, 2026 following complications from pneumonia.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Louise. A devoted father and grandfather, his legacy lives on through his children: Cyndy Jones and her husband, Hank, of Chapel Hill, NC; Bill Stoops, Jr. and his wife, Christina, of Darien, CT; Elizabeth Ward of Darien, CT; and Jennifer Burns and her husband, Ned, of New Canaan, CT. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, John Ward.

He will be deeply missed by his eight grandchildren: Kimberly Michels and her husband, Greg; Caroline Jones and her wife, Katie; Sarah Jones, Harry Jones, Tucker Stoops, Nina Stoops, Erik Burns, and Charlie Burns. His grandchildren will always remember their 'Opie' for his unwavering support, his endless family stories, and for being the legendary 'popcorn man' at every family gathering. He also leaves behind one great-grandchild, Leo Michels.

Bill was born on January 12, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, with his parents, Gordon and Betty Stoops, and his sister, Jean. He attended New Trier High School and graduated from Lake Forest College.

On June 29, 1957, Bill married the love of his life, Louise Moser. Soon after, they moved to California, where Bill served in the U.S. Army for two years. Following his military service, the couple settled in Glenview, Illinois, where Bill began a successful career in sales with Hertz Rental Car.

A brief time in Bronxville, New York, marked the beginning of their growing family with the birth of their first child, Cynthia. They later returned to Glenview, where they welcomed three more children, William Jr., Elizabeth, and Jennifer. In 1968, Bill and Louise made their home in New Canaan, Connecticut, where they raised their family.

It was there that Bill built a distinguished and deeply rewarding career in the automotive industry with Emkay. Known for his integrity, dedication, and genuine connection with people, he earned the trust of colleagues and clients alike. His natural charm, quick wit, and unwavering commitment to service left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of working with him.

Bill and Louise built a wide circle of dear and lasting friendships in New Canaan, where they were active members of the Congregational Church, the Field Club in their early years and later the Country Club of New Canaan. Bill found great joy in first cheering on his children and then grandchildren at their many sporting events, with a particular love for hockey; the family spent many happy years as members of the New Canaan Winter Club where Bill was a member of the Senior Men’s Hockey team.   An avid golfer, and a member of the Connecticut State Seniors Golf Association, Bill cherished time on the course—whether with friends, with Louise, or alongside his children and their spouses—moments that brought him both pride and deep happiness.

A private family service will be held at the Congregational Church Chapel, in New Canaan, CT to honor Bill’s life. They are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers from friends and the community.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to either The Congregational Church of New Canaan or Staying Put of New Canaan.

The Family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at Hoyt Funeral Home 199 Main Street New Canaan CT 06840.

For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com