Sanford resident Larry Hoppen, one of the founding members of the band Orleans, died Tuesday at the age of 61. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Hoppen, who had lived in Sanford since 2001, was known locally for his charitable contributions, holding at least one family concert a year to collect non-perishable foods for Sanford’s Rescue Outreach Mission.

Two years ago the Hoppen Family Christmas Benefit was held at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center and his last concert in Sanford was during the January Alive After 5. Both shows helped collect food for the needy in Sanford.

Born in Long Island, N.Y. Hoppen first came on the scene in 1969 when he and John Hall, who later became a congressman for New York, formed the band Boffalongo. While in the band they produced the original recording of “Dancin’ in the Moonlight,” a song which was later a hit by King Harvest.

Later, Hoppen, Hall and Wells Kelly came together in early 1972 to form the band Orleans. Hoppen’s younger brother Lance joined the band the following fall.

The band became known for its hits like, “Still the One,” “Dance with Me,” and “Love Takes Time.”

In 2008, Hoppen along with Pat Travers and members of other bands like Deep Purple, Santana and Survivor played Sanford’s annual Star Spangled Sanford event on the Fourth of July.

Hoppen continued to tour with the band throughout the years and was scheduled to appear on a Fox television show this Friday with his brother.

Hoppen is survived by his wife, Patricia Smith Hoppen, daughters, Claire and Maeve, brothers, Lance and Lane and his sister, Lynda.

The family asks that donations be made to your local food bank in his memory.

On Wednesday his wife Patricia wrote on Hoppen’s Facebook page, “For his fans, I am deeply sorry for YOUR loss. I know he will be missed.”