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CHARLES TOPHAM Obituary
Born in Framingham to the (late) John and Emma (Sears) Topham, Charles graduated from Marion High School in Framingham, earned his undergraduate degree from American International College in Springfield, and his master's degree from Northeastern University in Boston.
Charles was passionate about teaching and his career spanned many decades teaching English to middle school and high school age students in Wayland, Belmont and finally at St. Patrick's in Stoneham before retiring. His passion for learning and teaching extended beyond the classroom serving as Director of Instruction for Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics Institute in New England. He always maintained his realtor license on the side with John Campbell Realty in Cambridge.
Charles was an avid golfer, loved sailing, served on the Board of Directors at Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster for close to 30 years, was a trustee for Bacon Free Library in South Natick, loved music, enjoyed travel, was a devout reader, and wrote books on the English language, among them: The Great Learning Book and articles for the Boston Sunday Globe on adolescence. He also was a very active parishioner at St. Andrew's, in Wellesley, teaching Sunday School regularly and serving as an usher.
In addition to his wife, Charles is survived by his two sons: Evan and Colin Topham, both of Boston; his sister Betsy Valko of Ohio; his brothers-in-law Thomas Mullany, DMD and his wife Helen of Great Barrington, Kevin Mullany and his wife Mickey of Albuquerque, NM, and Joseph Mullany and his wife Cori of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews. His brother, Jack Topham predeceased him.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at St. Andrew's Church, Wellesley at noon on August 21, 2018.
John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, NATICK, MA 01760 has been entrusted with arrangements.
For more information or to sign a memorial guestbook, please visit: www.everettfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES TOPHAM
fred nowicki
February 17, 2021
Oh Mary, so sad to have just recently heard this... wishing you and your family all healing and light... Charlie was an early mentor as part of his "side gig" as our sales trainer for John Campbell RE in Brookline Village back in the mid-80's... he was genuine, knowledgable and truly cared about making sure we understood what it took to exercise right intention, skill, and a code of ethics in our efforts... all with a great sense of humor - a perfect fit for a teacher! I will never forget Charlie's kindness to me - he is missed.
Fred Nowicki, JCRE/Topham "Class of '86"
Marcella Gallardo
August 26, 2018
Dear Mary, Colin, and Evan,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Charlie.
Mary, Charlie was one of the most humorous people...a great spirit. We had alot of memories from our Cambridge days.
Wishing you and your sons better days...Charlie's spirit will always be there to gude you.
Marcella and Jenny Gallardo
August 21, 2018
Mary, Evan, Colin
Jack and I are so sorry for the loss of Charlie. He will be missed by the family.
Dave Wynn
August 20, 2018
Fair winds and following seas my mentor, teacher, friend.
July 31, 2018
Mary, Thinking of you.
Beth Donnelly
Bob Soorian
July 30, 2018
Mr. Topham, as I must have addressed him, was my 8th grade English teacher at Wayland Junior High School, I think in 1968/1969.
He was a great teacher.... and generous with his time when my pals and I journeyed from Wayland to Cambridge or Boston..he was an enthusiastic guide to both cities.
My condolonces to his family.
July 30, 2018
I will always cherish our early teaching years in the Annex at Wayland Junior High
Donna Grossman
Judith Knowles
July 29, 2018
R.I.P. Charlie. He was a classmate of mine at Marian High School in Framingham. Sorry for your loss to his loved ones. Sincerely, Judy (Bokoske) Knowles.
Curt and Joanne Anderson
July 29, 2018
We enjoyed working with Charlie, He was such a fine teacher. His students looked forward to his informative and interesting classes. Charlie had a warm and welcoming rapport with students and coworkers, and a terrific sense of humor. We were saddened to hear of his passing. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.
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John Everett & Sons Funeral Home at Natick Common4 Park Street, Natick, MA 01760
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