Francis J. Topper

Francis J. Topper, formerly of York and Hanover, died peacefully on Thursday, August 18, 2016 surrounded by family. He was 92 years old.

Born on Wednesday, February 13, 1924 in McSherrystown, he was a son of the late John L. and M. Bertha McKim Topper. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Staub Topper, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1997.

He attended his early school years at Paradise Protectory in Abbottstown and was a lifelong supporter of the boys at the school.

A decorated veteran of World War II, Sergeant Topper served from April 1941 to September 1945. He was a forward observer in the 25th Field Artillery Battalion. He participated in the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. Mr. Topper was honored as a distinguished member of the 25th Field Artillery at Fort Riley, Kansas and was inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. He also received medals for his participation in the European, African and Middle East Campaign, Operation Overlord, American Defense Service award, Good Conduct and World War II Victory. He was active in organizing many reunions with his comrades.

A member of St. Joseph Church in York and St. Vincent de Paul Church in Hanover for many years, Mr. Topper was active in numerous church activities, where he had served as a lector, usher and as a member of the Holy Name Society. He was a member of the Hanover Knights of Columbus, Father Allwein Assembly 4th Degree, and was past Grand Knight of York Council 1530 Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1190 in York, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2506, Hanover Republican Club, Hanover Historical Society, and the Adams County Fish and Game Association.

After attending Prowell Business School in York and Neff College in Philadelphia, Mr. Topper had an early radio broadcasting career with WGAL in Lancaster. He worked for the Commonwealth of PA, where he served with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Agriculture, from which he retired in 1985. He was very active member of the Republican Party at both the state and local levels for many years.

He enjoyed photography, cooking, playing cards and spending time with family.

Mr. Topper is survived by four daughters, Karen Hostetter of York, Mary Ellen Wildasin of Morgantown, WV, Susan Inners of York, and Joan Topper of Danville; four sons, Michael Topper of Manchester, Patrick Topper of Dover, David Topper of Carlisle, and James Topper of Hanover; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Pauline (Patsy) Rand of Moreno Park, CA.

He was preceded in death by five brothers, Harry J. Topper, Robert B. Topper, Earl J. Topper,
Clair J. Topper, and Donald R. Topper; and five sisters, Marguerite (Peg) Wallach, Evelyn (Sis)
Storm, Helen Baker, Bernadette Lynch and Rita Topper.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 220 Third Street, Hanover with The Rev. Michael P. Reid II celebrating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be held at 11:30am on Thursday at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Frank can be made to ForSight Vision, 1380 Spahn Avenue, York, PA 17403 or by visiting forsight.org.