Richard P. Toper

TOPER, Richard P. Richard P. Toper, 73, of Ft. Myers Beach, FL, and Eagle Bay, NY, died Sunday (October 7, 2007) at Eden Park Nursing Home in Utica, NY, with his wife of 47 years, Rosalyn (Oja) Toper by his side. Born in Hartford February 7, 1934 to the late Edward and Katherine (Hyziak) Toper, he had lived much of his life in East Hartford and South Windsor. During this time, he owned and operated New England Sand and Gravel for over 20 years before retiring in the mid-1990s. Throughout his life, he most enjoyed family travel and activities. He also was an avid UConn football and basketball fan, a snowmobiler, and a NASCAR and "muscle car" enthusiast, having restored a 1971 Buick GS455 with which he won a number of trophies. Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, Richard J. Toper and wife Lynn of Tolland, and Kenneth M. Toper and wife Patricia of South Windsor; one brother, Edward S. Toper and wife Janet of Manchester; and four grandsons, Cameron, Jameson, Zachary, and Daniel. There are no calling hours and funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Tillinghast Funeral Home, 433 Main St., Danielson, is in charge of arrangements.