Ronald C. Topper's Obituary
Ronald C. Topper of Punta Gorda, FL and Lewes, DE, passed away on Friday June 23, 2023, at his home in Lewes. He was born on August 14, 1945, in Gettysburg, PA, son of the late Luther and Margaret (Cullison) Topper.
Ron served in the US Navy from 1966-1971 and was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he was responsible for the handling of classified documents and information, spending much of his time on airplanes. Ron worked for DEE Paper for over thirty-five years, both in management and on their board, where he continued to serve after retirement. An avid outdoorsman and lover of nature, he often archery hunted in the Gettysburg, PA area on a farm and property close to where he grew up. Ron loved deep sea fishing in the Gulf and Peace River Bay, and from the docks at his home in Punta Gorda. He was also a Master Angler with his local Punta Gorda Isles Fishing Club.
Ron had many hobbies, including gardening and manicuring his landscapes. A true lover of nature, he found peace in the woods and waters where he immersed himself frequently. Ron loved the color blue, which represented his love of the ocean and the blue skies he spent so much time under. He loved traveling, could be found hunting at over 10,000 feet elevation for elk in Utah, or just at his local hangouts where he loved to be with his wife Patti and their many friends. His love of food, wine, and the sharing stories of the current football and sports seasons, as well as his fishing and hunting stories, of which Ron had many, were often the center of many discussions.
Ron was most proud of his children, Ron Jr., Michelle, and Jessica. He inspired each of them to do their best, but they weren't the only people that he inspired, as he taught many others about fishing and hunting and loved to hear about his grandchildren and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Ron loved his wife Patti with all of his heart, and they spent most of their time hanging out with friends, listening to music, having glasses of wine, and taking care of their homes. They loved taking their boat into the bay and hopping to the local hangouts for cocktails and conversation. Ron was a very generous man, who always appreciated hard work and would always be there to help.
He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Patti Topper (Olsen), two sisters, Janice Nelson and Elaine Kanner, a brother, Luther Topper and sister in-law Lois Olsen, his son Ronald Topper Jr., daughter Michelle Kendrick and stepdaughter Jessica Charlton, five grandchildren, Jadyn, Bryce, Tiffini, Sarah, and Cody, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of his Life will be held on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM. Entombment will be private at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, DE.
All who cannot attend the service in person are invited to join via live stream by visiting http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11064232/LTWebcast
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Ron’s memory to the Multiple Myeloma Foundation, 4400 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Suite 300, Studio City, CA 91604 or to the Home Of The Brave Foundation, 6632 Sharps Road, Milford, DE 19963.
Memorial contributions are suggested to either of the following.
Multiple Myeloma Foundation at donate.cancer.org or to the Home Of The Brave Foundation
6632 Sharps Road, Milford, DE 19963.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 9:00 AM WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
What’s your fondest memory of Ronald C.?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ronald C.?
Share a story where Ronald C.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ronald C. you’ll never forget.
How did Ronald C. make you smile?
