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David Toppino Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David Toppino
Irene Richard Brandon
December 8, 2022
I am saddened and shocked to only now be learning that David passed away. We were friends in our 20's and he was such a wonderful person. How very tragic to learn that he passed away so young. May he rest in peace
Cari P.
November 1, 2022
I remember you david. May u b at peace
Andrea & Craig Foster
December 2, 2004
Dearest Virginia and Lauren:
It has been over a year. We cannot tell you how many times we have thought about you - but it has been numerous times each week. Please remember that it doesn't matter how often we see you. You will always have a friend at our home. Lauren, when you are grown, and you are looking for a story or two, we have some wonderful memories of your dad.
With love,
Cari Philpott
January 13, 2004
Dear Lauren,
I recently learned of your dad's death. I am so sorry. I knew your daddy for about 5 1/2 years from the Monday night AA meeting we attended in Bel Air. From the first I met him I just loved him dearly as an AA brother. He was kind, gentle, and so honest. We shared much about our life journey and challenges along the way. Mostly I remember how we shared about when your mommy was pregnant (as I had just had my first baby too) and how excited and full of joy he was. When you were born it was the best day of his life. When you were just a couple months old he brought you and your mommy to our meeting. How beautiful you were and how proud he was to be your daddy. As you grew we shared alot about how wonderful and hard it is to be a parent. I met you again when you were about one. It was a Christmas party your dad had for his friends of AA. It was a wonderful party. When he first learned he had cancer I talked often with him (I, myself, am an oncology nurse) and connected him with my AA sponsor who was also a healer. She helped him and your mom for a time I believe. I wish there had been more I could have given to him. We also kept in touch later by e-mail when I think he went to the east coast for awhile. I hadn't seen him in a year or so. I am very sad and will always think of him and his wonderful human soul. There will be a hole forever in that Monday night meeting. May you always know how special he was and be proud to be his daughter. all my love, Cari Philpott, Monday night Bel Air AA meeting
Roger Soman
January 5, 2004
Dear Toppino Family,
I recently learned of David's passing and am saddened by the news. I was a classmate of David's at Ransom-Everglades and remember him as unique and energetic. He was outgoing and enjoyable to be with. I feel for the family and those close friends that David left behind.
Gina Ruiz
December 31, 2003
Dear Virginia & Lauren,
I first met David more than ten years ago when I began working for him at Foster Assessment Center. He was my boss, my mentor and my dear friend. I have many wonderful memories of David. One of the fondest memories I have is a recent one. He was taking me home late at night after I had babysat Lauren and through the whole drive, he talked about how much he loved you both, how bright and funny Lauren was, how devoted Virginia was, how she was his strength and his best friend. We talked about faith and hope and about how his faith in God just kept getting stronger and brighter with every passing day. It was an important talk for me, I had been losing my faith at the time and was struggling with my own health issues and other personal issues. That night was pivotal for me. I was so amazed by David’s absolute unshakeable faith, that it made me grab hold of what was left of mine and find my way back.
David was an amazing man. Over the years he showed me kindness, charity, generosity and wisdom. Whenever I needed advice, David was the one I would call. He was always insightful and caring, even when we disagreed. He was there for my children when they needed someone to talk to, he mentored them and became kind of an adopted uncle. He stood as godfather to my grandson Damien. My family and I were honored to be a part of your lives. We are better people for knowing David and will always miss him. The world has a few bright and shining lights that truly make a difference, that grace it just by their presence. David was one of those lights.
Love,
Gina
Phillip Isan
December 18, 2003
Lauren,
I have known your Dad since I was a young boy in grade school. Your Dad had the biggest smile, the kindest heart. He was a gentle man. Your Dad loved to share a good laugh. Your Dad, played soccer and football when he was a young man and played with all his heart just as he lived his life, with conviction and pursuit to do it his way and the best that he could.
Most of all, he was proud to be your Dad. We know David will be in your heart and watching over you always.
Love,
Jill and Phillip Isan and family
William Faulk
December 17, 2003
I was shocked and saddened to learn of David's death. We had been out of touch for several years but I thought of him often.We met at Pepperdine and I'll always remember him and the good times we enjoyed together. Please accept my condolences.
Phillip Ruiz
December 7, 2003
Dear Lauren,
I remember your Dad way back when I was a little boy. I used to go to the office with my mom sometimes and talk to David while she worked. When I got older, I would go up to the house when he had his office there. My mom would work and David and I would play chess. I always tried to beat him, but he always won. Then one day I beat him! He was proud of me and mad that he lost at the same time. David never liked to lose and in my heart and memories he will always be a winner. I loved him very much and I know my mother did too. Everyone he met loved him. He was a good and kind man and I will never forget him. My mom always said David was her guardian angel because he was always there for her and us. I know he's a real guardian angel watching over us all. I will always be there for you and your Mommy and so will my family.
manny frankel
December 5, 2003
Dear Lauren,
I will miss your Dad as my friend, Brother-in-law and Uncle to my sons.
He had such a strong will and beliefs in things. There are many things about your Dad that you will hear, but the thing that epitomizes him is his strength and convictions, he had his definite likes and dislikes and no matter what would not graciously waver, when he was very ill he sent me out to get him a roast beef sandwich, but it had to be from a specific restaurant on a specific type of roll,cheese and dressing for the sandwich, and rice pudding a certain way, altho he did not eat alot of it what he did eat had to be exactly the way he wanted it.
That says about how your Dad lived his life, on his terms. You and your Mom were his pride and joy and he was overwhelmed that he had a part in producing you.
Your Aunt Paula and Uncle Manny will always be there for you with support
in any way and lots of love.
Uncle Manny
Paula Frankel
December 5, 2003
My Dearest Lauren,
Or should I call you Lolly as your Father did so often. I loved your Daddy so very much. I have so many stories to tell you about him.
I am so happy your parents picked me to be your Godmother, it was such an honor for me. Your happiness and well being will always be a priority for me.
I will always be there to help and love you and your Mother.
I would like to share with you a letter I wrote to your Father that Uncle Charlie read for me at your Dad's Memorial Service.
I love you to the Moon and Back,
Aunt Paula
To my brother David:
My heart is filled with such pride to have known you and to have loved you, and that you loved me.
You have always attracted such a rainbow of people in your life and in your heart. You had such a way about you.
What, oh what, will I do without you. No, I don’t have to be without you for you will always be in my heart.
When you came into this world, I was 4.
By the time Charlie came 15 months later, I remember mom and I sitting side by side in rocking chairs feeding both babies their bottles.
In my memory, you were my baby doll and I have felt that way all my life.
I love you to the moon and back.
Love,
Paula
Stan Smith
December 4, 2003
Dear Virginia and Lauren
I met David thru our forensic economic associations and frequently corresponded with him thru email. He and I and a few others were on an email list on which we shared non-economic issues in our lives. It was a spiritual support group. In his messages, David's spirit shined thru beautifully. I deeply regret your loss and pray that God speeds his soul on its journey. I am grateful for having our lives touched, albeit briefly, and know that we will meet again in another world.
Love
Stan V. Smith
Keith Chasin
December 4, 2003
In 1999 David was set to testify for me in Sebring, Florida, a small town in the central part of the state. He'd never testified in any of my cases before and we were both excited. We went over all of our material the night before and then David popped the question on me: "What size shoes do you wear?" He showed me the flip flops he'd worn on his flight from LA and at about 11:30 that night we realized that unless my size 9.5 shoes fit him, he'd lose his credibility from the word get go. PS - he wore my shoes, did great, and, as always, his credibility and smart shoes paved the way to a mega-verdict. I will always remember David as very classy guy; a true expert in a field where many witnesses follow the buck instead of their morals. David's truthfulness was so respected that it was very rare that my opponents ever questioned his opinion.
Joanne Latham
December 4, 2003
We will miss David deeply, comforted only by the feelings of great fortune that we had the opportunity to get to know this wonderful man. David shared his expertise, knowledge and experience with me and many others. Most of all, he shared his wonderful family, Virginia and Lauren, who I will always treasure.
Joanne, Tim, Samantha and Olivia
Kent Jayne
December 3, 2003
I met David several years ago at a conference. He was very kind and personable. I found out later that he was also wise and spiritual.
I miss him and wish he and his family well.
Mary Barros-Bailey
December 3, 2003
Virginia & Lauren:
David was driven to do and be his best. I knew him as a colleague, as a friend, and as someone who believed. As a colleague, he was always willing to share, to challenge, and to be challenged. His contributions to forensic vocational and economic disciplines will continue because he taught all of us to think not only outside the box, but into the next continent. As a friend, he was always willing to take time to listen. And, as a believer, he inspired.
David's life continues with those of us who he touched. I am blessed to have known him.
Mary
Helene Mackey
December 3, 2003
David was my best friend. Meeting him changed my life in so many ways including introducing me to my soulmate, Jeff, who is now with David in heaven. If anyone has earned his wings-it is David. He did so much good for people and had so many hardships along the way. His positive attitude and his faith carried him through a long journey. I hope that one day Lauren will carry on his legacy. With love and sympathy to the Toppino Family. Helene
Charlie Toppino
December 3, 2003
Lauren:
I want you to know I loved your dad, so very much. I have the honor to be your Godfather and with that comes the responsibility to help your mother raise you, guide you and always be there for you. I’m very proud to have been asked by your parents and pray to God that I can give and provide you with the love and guidance you deserve.
At your father memorial services in Los Angeles and Key West I had the privilege to share my feelings and love of your dad with our family and David’s many friends. The following is what I said:
David Charles Toppino
What an amazing person. From a dyslexic and questionably autistic little boy, he on his own taught himself to become a great reader, a scholar, a psychologist, and an economist.
After years of drinking and playing too hard, he taught himself thru AA how to live a better life. He faced many challenges over his life, but he always seemed to see the light and correct his course.
As a little boy, we shared the same room, the same friends; we were brothers and best friends for life. He was always my protector, and I his. The number of kids that regretted pushing me around, because of the repercussions of David is too many to count. We were like Felix and Oscar.
David was the middle child of five kids. He had a special relationship with each of us, Roland, Paula, JP and me. He and our mother had a special bond.
As young adults, we would go out with all our friends at night and then all return home at 11pm to spend the rest of the evening drinking, talking and playing backgammon for hours with our parents. WE HAD A VERY SPECIAL HOME AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIP.
David was drawn and had the need to develop special relationships with the clergy. In Miami, he developed a great relationship with Father Sherman, a catholic priest who had the hugest heart but somehow was excommunicated from the Catholic Church. David was drawn to him because of his huge heart, compassion and his faults.
In college, David developed a similar relationship with a priest in Macon. And in Los Angeles, David developed very special relationships with two incredible Episcopal priests, Father Norm and Father Lorne Weaver, and a Catholic Priest, Hector Cabrera.
These relationships and the AA philosophy really defined David: he believed in helping others, believed it’s about giving and not taking, it’s about enjoying your family, your friends; it’s about smelling the roses.
When David found out he had cancer, he never doubted God, never asked, “why me”, never thought it was his time. He had so much more to give the World. He fought the disease with vengeance, his doctor’s couldn’t believe his will to live, and his tolerance for pain, or that he would win the battle.
He never feared Death. Most importantly, they couldn’t believe how giving and kind he was. He always had time to say hello, to visit with other cancer patients, to talk to the nurses, to bring them shrimp fried rice from China Town. He always had the energy and the time to give back to others.
After a three-year fight, he lost the battle. But after spending that time with him, we know he won the war. We learned many things from David and his experience. He helped ease our pain through the religious experience we encountered because of David and his close friends, Father Lorne and Father Cabrera. It was beautiful, overwhelming and cannot be properly described by my words.
When David got married and moved out of our apartment, what an “upgrade”. He was very very lucky to have married Virginia, his beautiful, loving and devoted wife. We, the Toppino Family, love her very much and could not have wished a better person for our brother to spend his Life with.
The pain of losing David is great, but we know he is with God, and our mother and father as well as with Gilbert, his special grandfather. David has left the world a better place and now it’s our responsibility to have learned from him and do the same.
Virginia, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We are here for you and Lauren forever.
Cheryl and Christina Toppino
November 20, 2003
Our sincere and most heart-felt sympathy extended to Virgina and Lauren, and to the Toppino family, always in our thoughts and prayers through-out the years.
Cheryl and Christina
Toppino
Gina Ruiz
November 14, 2003
Dear Virginia and Lauren,
I can't begin to express my sorrow. I will miss David so much. He was a wonderful person and my family loved him very much. We love you and Lauren very much and will always be there if you need us.
LOUIS DESSAINT
November 14, 2003
HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND GROWING UP AND PLAYING SOCCER AT RANSOM. I WILL MISS HIM.
Patti Parker Silva
November 11, 2003
Dearest Virginia, My deepest sympathy sent to you and Lauren. Though I didn't know David that well other than Ransom days, I do remember his big smile and of course, great looks. Oh, and a fancy Trans Am! I have kept up with all of you through Kim. I send much love to you and the family - and peace. Love, Patti
robert solovei
November 10, 2003
Our deepest sympathy on your great loss,the Robert Solovei family
Andrea and Craig Foster
November 10, 2003
Dearest Virginia:
After knowing David for over fifteen years, we cannot think of a time that he did not have a smile for us. He worked hard, and put in long hours. When Lauren grows up, we will always be available to her anytime she wants to hear stories and memories of her dad...stories that will make her proud.
With love -
WALTER F. BREWER
November 10, 2003
TO THE TOPPINO FAMILY, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
THE BREWER FAMILY, MIAMI
Jeffrey Magrowski
November 10, 2003
David and I met at the first Rehab.
Economics meeting. We discussed the legal damage theories regarding Hedonic Damages (Pleasures of Life).
He got me interested in this area for which I am in his debt. I have lost contact with him now for many years. Now I know where he can be found. "Gods Blessings"
Helene Hollub
November 10, 2003
Most of my memories of David are fun filled high school days. David was always ready to make for a great time no matter what! I was so proud to see he used his intellect and his positive attitude to accomplish such wonderful things as an adult. Our heartfelt deepest sympathies go out to the family he left behind so prematurely.
All our love ... Helene and Shayna
Frank Slesnick
November 10, 2003
David was a wonderful friend and colleague. If I ever had a question concerning vocational economics (which was all the time), David was the person I contacted. I still have a file with his responses marked "David Toppino." We also were co-authors of a paper related to teaching forensic economics in the classroom, a subject in which he had a great deal of interest. But most of all I remember him as a wonderful person. I will miss him.
Frank Slesnick
Jerry Martin
November 9, 2003
David, as a professional colleague, you were the best. Always honest and always ethical in all you did. I miss you.
Cecile Liebmann Rabiea, Jeffrey, Cory and Casey Rabiea
November 9, 2003
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Toppino family. David was a wonderful friend with a beautiful kind soul that will never be forgotten.
Penelope Caragonne and Keith Sofka
November 9, 2003
We will miss David very, very, much and wish we could be at the service. David is in our hearts. What a lovely, strong, and caring person. Our deepest sympathies, Penelope and Keith.
Ray and Diane Neveu
November 9, 2003
We were very sorry to hear of David's passing. We met he and Lauren at Northeast Harbor two years ago and spent a very enjoyable evening eating lobster and getting acquainted. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to his family.
Hedy and Suzanne von Paulus
November 9, 2003
Our deepest sympathy at the loss of David. He was a brilliant, loving man and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Our prayers are with you.
Hedy and Suzy
David & Megan Bell
November 7, 2003
We will keep Virginia and Lauren in our prayers. With love and deep sympathy.
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