Brian Topping

Brian B. Topping, former Philadelphia and Baltimore Investment Banker, dies at the age of 89.

Former Mercantile Bankshares Senior Executive, Brian B. Topping, has passed away at the age of 89. Formerly of Philadelphia, the longtime Baltimore resident died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.

Brian was born in Los Angeles, California on October 3, 1934 to Helen Rummens Topping and Dr. Norman Hawkins Topping (former President of the University of Southern California). Brian was raised in Los Angeles and later Washington D. C. where his father served as Assistant Surgeon General of the United States.

Brian graduated from Bethesda Chevy Chase High School in 1953. Brian met his future wife, Elizabeth Hemphill Topping ("Betsy"), while both were students at the University of Pennsylvania from which they both graduated in 1957. Brian also graduated from the Wharton Graduate Division of the University of Pennsylvania with an M.B.A. in 1965. As an undergraduate at Penn, Brian was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity as well as the Sphinx Senior Society.

Brian spent his entire professional career in Investment Banking as an analyst, portfolio manager, and later in Trust and Investment Management and Administration. After graduating from Penn Brian went to work at the Philadelphia National Bank (PNB) where he quickly rose to become Vice President and Executive Officer in charge of investments for the bank.

Brian and his family moved away from Philadelphia in 1976 so he could become Vice Chairman of the Board and Head of the Trust and Investment Division of Mercantile Safe Deposit and Trust Company in Baltimore, Maryland. Brian also served on the Board of Directors of the parent corporation, Mercantile Bankshares. Brian's career with Mercantile spanned three decades.

Brian served on numerous Boards of Directors during (and after) his distinguished banking career including, but not limited to: Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland; Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital; Harbor Health Foundation; Hall of Records Commission of the State of Maryland; The Arca and Gottschalk Foundations; Friends of the American Wing of the Baltimore Museum of Art; Investment Committee for the Maryland Retirement and Pension System; and, The Maryland Historical Society where he served as President from 1983 to 1990.

Brian was an avid reader, with a photographic memory, and applied his wealth of knowledge to his love of collecting art and antiques, especially Philadelphia furniture. Brian enjoyed traveling with Betsy, playing golf and spending time with his family at their home in Vermont. "My parents were happiest when they were at their home in Vermont reading." "They loved everything about Vermont and they spent as much time as they possibly could there." said Andy Topping, Brian's youngest son. Brian was a member of the Philadelphia Cricket Club, the Elkridge Club and the Maryland Club.

Brian is pre-deceased by his wife Betsy. Brian is survived by his sister Linda Topping Badgley of New Haven, Connecticut, a son Stephen Topping (Catherine) of Baltimore, another son Andrew Topping (Laurene) of Philadelphia and two grandsons AJ and Alex, both of Philadelphia. Brian is also survived by his long-time care-giver Munira Tursunova .

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Maryland Center for History and Culture. Services are private.