Robert Lindsey Topping

Robert Lindsey Topping January 14, 1922 - April 17, 2010 Robert Lindsey Topping, age 88, passed away at his home in St. Augustine, FL, on April 17, 2010, with his wife and daughter by his side. He was born Amsterdam, NY, on January 14, 1922, the son of John and Theresa Fitzgerald Topping. He was educated in the Amsterdam school system and enrolled in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, an aviation program sponsored by the government where he learned to fly piper cubs, after graduating from high school. During World War II, he served as a pilot instructor in the U.S. Army Air Corps and flew B-17's and B-24's. After the war, he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1950 with a degree in chemical engineering. Robert married the former Patricia Allen of Troy, NY, on April 23, 1949 and the couple shared and enjoyed 61 years of marriage together. They had one daughter, Kathy Topping Wiese. Bob and Pat settled in Littleton, NH, where he spent most of his working life as resident manager of the Norton Pike Division of the Norton Company, an abrasive company that manufactured sharpening stones. Throughout his life, Bob remained active in community affairs. While living in Littleton, he was a member of the school board for 13 years, was District Deputy of BPOE North and Exalted Ruler of the Littleton Lodge of Elks. He also served as president of the PTA and the Littleton Band Club. After retiring and moving to St. Augustine in 1988, he acted as a tour guide at the Cathedral Basilica and did income taxes for AARP. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus 611 and the Corpus Christi Catholic Church. During his free time, Bob was an avid Yankee fan, played golf and liked to travel. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia Allen Topping of St. Augustine; a daughter, Kathy Topping Wiese and her husband, Jim Wiese, of East Montpelier, VT; a brother, Alfred Topping, of Commerce, GA; a sister, Phyllis Campbell, of Rexford, NY; and two grandchildren, Gail and Robert Wiese. A Memorial Mass will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 17, 2010, at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Interment with military honors will follow at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 17, at Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice of N.E. Florida for the Bailey-Upchurch Center in St. Augustine, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.