Msg Joseph L. Topper

MSG Joseph L. Topper, US Army Ret.,

Master Sergeant, Joseph Laurence Topper, retired US Army, 81 of Shirley, MA and formally of Bowling Green, VA passed away Thursday, September 7th after a brief illness.

He was born in Gettysburg, PA on April 15, 1942 son of the late Daniel Charles and Anastasia (Anne) Naomi (Adelsberger) Topper.  He was raised in Emmitsburg, MD where he graduated from Saint Joseph’s High School and made life long friends playing baseball, hunting and working on cars.  It was also where he met and married the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Liz.

He served 21 years in the US Army including one tour in Vietnam, two tours in Korea, several short tours in Turkey and was stationed in Japan, Germany, Maryland, Virginia and Massachusetts. While serving his country he spent many years in the Army Security Agency (ASA), Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), and Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) at the US Army Intelligence School Devens.

After retiring from the Army he continued his career working for RCA, Digitial Equipment Corporation where he taught the VAX computer system and Lockheed Martin where he taught equipment on ships, submarines and the U-2 high altitude reconnaissance aircraft.

Upon his second retirement he and Liz spent years traveling throughout the US, including a wonderful family vacation to Alaska.  He made numerous trips to Ocean City, MD and loved taking long walks at Assateague State Park where the wild ponies roamed.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, crabbing on the Chesapeake bay and the crab feast that followed.

Joe adored his family and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered as a man of honor and integrity, a gentleman, who was always kind, caring and generous.

He is survived by his wife Mary Elizabeth (Barbe) Topper, daughter Tamara (Tammy) Farley and husband Sean of Shirley, MA and son Daniel Topper and wife Beth of Shirley, MA.  He leaves two siblings, Virginia Ridenour of Thurmont, MD and Danielle (Dani) Fink of Littlestown, PA and many nieces, nephews and brothers and sisters-in-law.  He was predeceased by his sister Rita (Topper) Keene, his niece Amy White, numerous brothers-in-law,  and his beloved granddaughter, Erica Farley who brought him so much joy and happiness.

Funeral service with full military honors and celebration of life will be held with close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to National Shrine Grotto, 16330 Grotto Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 or Alzheimer's Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17,  Chicago IL 60601.