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BORN
1922
DIED
2020
John Toppi Obituary
Phoenix - March 12, 1922 - December 28, 2020
John "Topp" Toppi, 98, was anointed with the Holy Spirit and peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Providence, RI to John & Elizabeth (Votoloto) Toppi and brother of the late Virginia (Toppi) Ferri and Vera (Toppi) Crenca of Warwick, RI. John was the devoted husband to his late wife Ann (Venditelli) Toppi, an irreplaceable and incredible role model to his beloved children Patricia (George) Bellew and John (Jack) (girlfriend Jeannine) Toppi Jr. and cherished by his grandsons Dr. Jonathan (Karisa) Bellew and Patrick (Amy) Bellew and two great-granddaughters. John was a WWII Navy veteran (USS Warwick) who proudly served in the Pacific and upon returning to the states worked for Monowatt/General Electric in RI. He was a gifted and talented athlete who played baseball for the Colonial and Provincial Leagues. John and his family transferred to Arizona in 1965 and he worked for GE/Honeywell until he retired. Upon retirement, he worked part-time for the Glendale Union High School District. "Topp" officiated many AZ sports and conferences: WAC and PAC 10 Baseball Conferences, AZ Junior College Football and Baseball Conferences, Pop Warner Football, High School Basketball, State Football Championships, Valley of the Sun-Junior College Football Bowl Game, AIA and NJCAA Football, Southwest/Western Football League-Phoenix Blazers. John's accomplishments brought him awards and honors which he was most proud: NJCAA (JUCO) Coaches Hall of Fame-Only Umpire Inductee, WSLF Football-Hall of Fame Inductee, AZFOA/CAFOA-Hall of Fame Inductee, AZ High School Coaches Award-1st Umpire. "Topp" always had a sports' story to share. He was most proud of being the home plate umpire when Eddie Bane, left-handed pitcher for Arizona State University threw the only perfect game (no hitter) in ASU's Baseball history against Cal State Northridge on March 2, 1973. John has exemplified the character and dedication of AZ officials in all areas of sports. Retired Major League Umpire Ted Hendry once said of John Toppi "he represents a one-of-a-kind athlete that makes baseball the great sport it is." John's legacy will be one of laughter, optimism, respect and compassion for others. He would often say, "Treat everyone you know with kindness and help them when they are in need." Funeral services will be private due to COVID-19 restrictions. A "Celebration of an Incredible Life" will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of AZ at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's name may be made to Apollo High School-GUHSD, Hospice of the Valley, St. Mary's Food Bank or the AZ Human Society. May the memories that you share of him be a blessing to you all. Please feel free to share those fond memories & expressions of sympathy at www.Legacy.com
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Memories and Condolences
for John Toppi
Steven Venditelli
January 24, 2026
Rest in peace Uncle Johnny
Susan Prado-Ortiz
January 23, 2025
May you continue to Rest in Peace Toppi, you will always be remembered for your kindness!
Steven Venditelli
January 23, 2025
One of the Best ! RIP uncle Johnny
Jan Nichols
January 24, 2024
Toppi, always kind, generous, strong and interesting. I worked with him at Apollo. He was always ready to help anytime anyone needed an extra hand. Looked up to him as a model of quality in character. What a high standard! Thank you, Toppi, for your presence in the world.
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Steven Venditelli
January 24, 2024
One of the "Greatest Generations " ! RIP
Susan Prado-Ortiz
January 23, 2024
John Toppi,
You are reaping your well deserved rewards in heaven, continue to rest in peace my friend!
Terri Rosenlof
January 23, 2022
John was such a wonderful soul. I was the Athletic Secretary for a number of years. John NEVER forgot Secretary´s Day always bring me a card and a gift. He would come to the front office every day before his bus run and visit. He will always be missed. We love you John
Jim Threadgill
March 12, 2021
John Toppi would have been 99 years old today. I miss his friendship, our conversations and just hearing his voice. He was a great man, loved and respected by everyone. Always had a friendly smile and time to share a story ... never heard a complaint from him or a bad word about anyone. If we had more people like John our country would be far better off. He touched my life and the lives of my family. God Bless John and his family.
Vicki Jones johnson/ Steve Johnson
February 11, 2021
Patti & Jack I just learned of Toppi passing my heart is broken. I have known you all since high school & really got to know your dad as a member of GUHSD. He was so loved by anyone who knew him. I missed him when he left the district & seeing him @ games over the years. Sending prayers too you all FYI did not know that he & I shared the same birthday March 12 no wonder we connected. Take care of yourselves.
Gregory & Rhonda Yonkman
February 7, 2021
Thank you for sharing such a kind and gentle man with us. We loved Mr. Toppi and know how much he loved his family and friends. His light of life, sure brightened the world for many that knew him. Vaya Con Dios "Topp"
Christopher barford
February 5, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Judy Roumelis
February 4, 2021
Uncle Johnnie,
You are now up in heaven with your beautiful sisters laughing and sharing stories from the good ole days. We love you and miss you all!
Judy
The Starr's
February 3, 2021
Toppi, You were a great friend to me and my wife Cindy. And like a Grandpa to my kids Megan and Shay. We will miss you, but know what you bring to heaven. There will never be another TOP. May God bless all you have touched and we will meet again some day. Love Darren, Cindy, Megan, and Shay Starr from Grand Junction
Tom Kelly
February 2, 2021
Don’t know where I can begin. Some of my oldest memories as a kid are riding in the back of the car traveling to or from a ballgame with my dad and Top. I had the joy of joining them both on the field as an official and developed even more lasting memories. It goes without saying that Top
was a great official but he was an even better man. His sense of compassion for anyone in need was amazing and inspiring. His love of his family was unyielding and his legacy everlasting.
Well done good and faithful servant John Toppi, well done.
John Hicks
February 2, 2021
As good a man as God has ever made. God Bless You John
Ray Alonzo
February 2, 2021
Toop was not only a great man, he was also the most caring human being that walked the face of this earth.
I never heard him say one bad thing about anyone. He was beyound knowledgeable about the game, as he put it he had common sense and cared about people.
There are many stories I could share from his umpiring to his driving the team to games.
There are no stories or adulations that can really reflect what this man was.
As I true friend I know he will be missed by many and for one I will always be greatful for everything he did for me.
Michelle Olshan
February 2, 2021
Such a kind and wonderful soul. John always had a smile on his face and always had a great story to tell. It was a joy to get to ride on his bus for away games when we traveled to play at other schools but it was also a joy just to have John out at the fields while we practiced or had home games at Apollo while I coached. He will truly be missed.
Randy Orr
February 1, 2021
Toppi was such a great man. He told me many Basketball stories that had me in stitches. Toppi was our good luck charm as he drove us to the Az State Basketball Championships( We won three in a row). He put a smile on my face every day I saw him. Rest In Peace my great friend. You will be missed.
Michael Alonzo
February 1, 2021
Mr Toppi held a special place in my heart. I first met him in the early 80's when he was reffing H.S. Football. My father was a coach and introduced me to him. He then reffed my Pop warner games and did a lot of my H.S. baseball and football games. My favoriate memory was when I gave up a home run and my father came out to the mound and started yelling at me, Mr. Toppi got on my dad for yelling at me. He had the warmest heart and a big smile on his face everytime I saw him. Reading him obit, I wish I knew more about his past when I was growing up. He's a real hero!
PJ Saturno
February 1, 2021
As an 8 year old playing my first Pop Warner game I ran out to midfield for the coin flip and the referee asked me my name and helped straighten my uniform up. From that game forward, when Mr. Toppi would officiate one of my games, all the way through my high school career, he would always yell out my name and it would always bring a smile to my face. A true professional that had the respect of everyone on the field. It’s been nearly 40 years since I have seen him but I can vividly see his face and hear his voice saying my name. He definitely had a very positive impact on my life throughout my playing years.
Sam Fernandez
February 1, 2021
I worked with John Toppi at G,F./Honeywell for many years. John was a pleasure to be around with. He was such a decent human being.
Ross Pagel
January 31, 2021
Always one of the Pagel “boys” favorite. We looked forward to when “Topp” umpired or refereed our games. He loved being around the athletes/coaches/fans and was always there for others. Great memories with “Topp” throughout the years. A CLASS act!!
Jim Burnes
January 31, 2021
As a former high school and college athlete in Arizona, I have such fond memories of Toppi. I can honestly say that he was a GREAT official and deserving of all the accolades bestowed on him. You always knew he would be professional, accurate, and respectful. Even more importantly, he was a man of character and integrity. He always made me smile. It saddens me that he is gone. May God comfort his family.
Jim Burnes
Terry Woods
January 31, 2021
Great sports official, loyal friend, great guy! We’ll miss John.
Ron Scott
January 31, 2021
A true LEGEND in every sense of the word.
Patrick Witter
January 31, 2021
I have known "Topp" since I was sixteen years old when he officiated our high school baseball and football games in the 60"s. I was also blessed to have him officiate when I became a high school baseball and football coach in the 70's.
John was the best official I have ever been associated with, in my life, as a coach and athletic director.
There was not a more compassionate and caring individual that walked this planet than John Toppi.
HIs service to the athletes and students will not be forgotten.
God Bless John Toppi, his family and his friends.
Jonathan Bellew
January 31, 2021
Grandpa,
Thank you for teaching me the value of humility, kindness, and hard work. I think about you everyday when seeing patients. I know you are busy up in heaven working another double header!
Love you Grandpa!
Terri Rosenlof
January 31, 2021
John was truly the best. He never forgot me on Secretary’s Day. Came up to the office almost everyday after bus runs to say hi and share the days happenings with us. I loved that man. A special place in our hearts
January 31, 2021
Such a great man. Toppi will be missed.
Sandra Engelhardt
January 30, 2021
Rip my friend. You were always kind to me and such a caring person. You will be greatly missed.
Jan Nichoks
January 30, 2021
Thank you for being such a positive force at Apollo and the Glendale Union District!
Aaron Abney
January 30, 2021
What a wonderful man and a beautiful legacy. John (we all referred to him as "Toppi") got me home from school daily and to remember his smile, laugh and welcoming nature ... even after 2 decades... is a testament to how great of a man he was. Toppi made the world a better place to be and I am so very lucky to have a memory of him to carry.
Richard
January 30, 2021
My dad had passed and John went out of his way to make sure I got to school he was a great influence in my life when I was very lost as a teen
Joan Paparella
January 30, 2021
Patti and Jack, we were so sorry to hear about Uncle John. He will always be remembered for his kindness and stories.
Love, cousins Joanie, Stefanie and Joe
Susan Prado-Ortiz
January 30, 2021
Mr. John Toppi was a blessing to me! He always had a smile and kind words whenever our paths crossed at Apollo.
He had a heart of gold and a spirit that I’m sure guided him right to heaven! You left your mark on many of our hearts and set an example for all of us to follow! Rest In Peace Mr. John Toppi!
Rick
January 30, 2021
Patti and Jack, words can not express our sadness in hearing about Uncle John. He was a man’s man who lived his life with great pride and distinction. I will never forget him! We will see you both soon.
Steven Venditelli
January 30, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to our cousins and family . It was always nice to hear stories about the family on our visits .. He will always be remembered Cousin Steve and Denise and family
Patti Bellew
January 30, 2021
Pop...We all miss you so very much. You were an incredible role model to your children, grandsons, their wives, great-granddaughters as well as everyone you met. Many thanks to our son Jonathan and daughter-in-law Karisa who were his angels on earth and helped to make his last days peaceful and comfortable.
We will love you always...Patti & George ❤❤
Lynn Clinton Van Patter
January 30, 2021
A gracious and lovely person. I got to know “Pop” through his daughter, Patti. He would join us on many of our lunch time adventures and it was an absolute joy to listen to his many stories of his life in the Navy and his baseball stories. As a bus driver for many years at Apollo High School he came to know my son and his older sister. He loved to share his time with my son who played baseball for Apollo and my daughter who also served in Navy. He was such a joy to know. Whenever we saw him at lunch we would ask him how he was doing. His response was always the same...”I woke up this morning.” I find myself quoting this to myself on occasion. He will be missed!
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