Ronald C. Topper, lover of nature
Ronald C. Topper of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Lewes, passed away Friday June 23, 2023, at his home in Lewes. He was born Aug. 14, 1945, in Gettysburg, Pa., son of the late Luther and Margaret (Cullison) Topper.
Ron served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-71 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 35 years, both in management and on their board, where he continued to serve on the board 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, one being 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 and could be found whether it be hunting at over 10,000 feet elevation for elk in Utah or at his local hangouts where he loved to be with his wife Patti and their many friends. His love of food, wine, and 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 whom 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 to take the boat into the bay and hop 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 42 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 at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 5, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Entombment will be private at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.
All who cannot attend the service in person are invited to join via livestream by visiting: 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., Ste. 300, Studio City, CA 91604; or Home of the Brave Foundation, 6632 Sharps Road, Milford, DE 19963.
Visit Ron’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
