Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2023
Michael Topper Obituary
He was born to the late Francis S. Topper Sr. and Shirley F. Goss Topper, on September 15, 1939, in Geneva, IL. His middle school, high school, and college years were spent in his paternal ancestral town of Emmitsburg, MD after helping his father build the family home. From a young age, Mike aspired to move West and was able to realize this dream in 1978 when he moved his family to Prescott, AZ after residing in Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
Professor Emeritus and a modern renaissance man, his professional career spanned over 60 years as a college administrator, university mathematics/computer science instructor, calculus textbook author, church pastor, and memoir writer. He retired in 2019 from his final academic position of twenty years as a member of the Prescott Campus Mathematics Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
His children Matthew Topper (Cindi), Paul Topper (Ingrid), Derek Huff (Diana), Christine Topper Kalinich (John), Frank Topper (Chandelle), and Laura Topper Costanzo (Joseph), and surviving sister, Patricia A. Topper, will remember his gentle countenance as he sipped a mug of coffee while exchanging snippets of life stories. He was a man of nostalgia who cherished family memories while always looking forward to creating new experiences with loved ones. He relied on his life verse, Proverbs 3:5-6, to guide his earthly journey.
We invite Mike's friends and colleagues to join his family at a celebration of life service to be held Saturday, May 20, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the Student Union Hangar Building at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott Campus.
Michael A. Topper
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Topper
5 Entries
Janet Hopkins
April 7, 2023
Greatly enjoyed your readings at the open mic. You´ll be missed!
Pat Fogarty
April 5, 2023
My dear friend, I have no words. Your wit, your smile, your writings, and your presence will be missed by me and your friends at your Central Arizona Writers group. Rest now in the Arms of Our Lord, you are home.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Topper's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Topper
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Topper's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
