Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Paul Tople Obituary
"Be Prepared"
Paul David Tople, 70 years old, went to be with his Lord and Savior after his battle with cancer May 11, 2018 surrounded by his family.
Paul was born in Barberton and was a life-long resident of the Akron area. He graduated from Norton High School and Kent State University with a degree in Photo Journalism.
When Paul's parents gave him a photograph processing kit for Christmas when he was 14 years old, he thought that was the "dumbest gift" ever. His mother and father weren't photographers, and he had never taken a picture in his life. He had no idea at the time that the kit would serve as a symbol of his destiny.
After working his way through college by photographing weddings and working part-time at the Barberton Herald, Paul graduated from Kent State University in 1970. While at Kent State, he worked for the School of Journalism, Mass Communication's Chestnut Burr magazine and yearbook, as well as the Daily Kent Stater. After graduation, be began a notable career as a photographer at the Akron Beacon Journal. During his 42 years at the newspaper, he was a member of distinguished news teams that won three Pulitzer Prizes. During his career he photographed the May 4th Kent State Shooting, was awarded the William Taylor Distinguished Alumni Award, the Kent State Man of the Year and Friends of JMC Photographer Award.
Paul was awarded the Eagle Scout in 1965. He continued scouting throughout his entire life and was awarded the Silver Beaver award.
Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Teresa and his grandson, Michael. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sally; his two sons, Edward (Jennifer) and Michael (Jamie); his sisters, Susan (Steve) Flener, Pat (Ron) Greenbank; his brothers, John (Julie), Tom (Patty) Tople; his sister-in-law, Connie Kyttler and grandchildren.
Calling Hours will be 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home, (39 S. Miller Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333)
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at St. Hilary Catholic Church, (2750 W. Market, Street Fairlawn, OH 44333)
Private Inurnment Greenlawn Cemetery
In lieu of other remembrances donations can be made to Sharon Township Last Alarm Foundation or your favorite charity. (C/O 39 S. Miller Road, Fairlawn, OH 443333)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Tople
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Jewell Cardwell Williams
May 8, 2025
Paul was a dear friend and colleague whose laughter and humor will always live in my heart.
Emily Christoff
January 16, 2020
To Pauls' family: I'm so very sorry for your horrific loss as I am just hearing of his passing only now... I worked at Metzger Photo in Akron, Ohio and the highlight for most us was when Paul would come to the store. For me he always inspired and gave me encouragement as I had just graduated with a fine arts degree in painting and Drawing but minored in Photo. But as time would have it I leaned more toward photography. We would talk shop and comment on Nikon lenses...and I probably showed him a few concert shots... gosh with tears, and saddened heart I can proclaim: what a great human being he was and what an honor to have known him...I know that I will never forget him...
Pat DiNuoscio - Jolly
May 18, 2018
As an art/photo. teacher in APS for 35 years I began teaching photography at Goodyear Junior High many years ago. One day I thought it would be really neat to have a professional photographer come and talk to my classes. So I made a "cold" call to the ABJ photo. dept. and someone said, "Sure, we can send someone out to talk to your kids."
Well, that was my lucky day!
Paul came out when I taught at Goodyear, East HS, and Firestone HS, where I finished my career as a full-time teacher.
He was always so excited to talk to young people about his passion for photography! He even made sure a few high school students were able to shadow him at the Beacon! How cool was that!
Paul was the kindest and most sincere human being who loved what he did and had a strong sense of faith and family.
My sincere condolences to his entire family.
Paul, you are an angel in heaven!
Lorin J. Wagner
May 16, 2018
To the Tople family
So sorry to hear of Pauls passing. We had alot of fun over the years in Scouting, working on all the Summer camps, District events, Camporalls and Wood Badge Reunion dinners. I will always cherish the tons of great memories I have of him. His great smile and the laughter we shared. Rest in peace my friend. I look forward to seeing you again someday. God bless and keep you in his divine care. J.
Lynda Smole
May 16, 2018
JOHN and JULIE,
I didnt know Paul but heard lots of wonderful stories while I worked at Alpha.
I knew you were proud of him and loved him very much.
Prayers of comfort to all of you.
RIP Paul
Jewell Cardwell Williams
May 16, 2018
Sally and family,
I pray you find comfort in your memories and knowing that his soul is now resting in Paradise.
Lee Reamer
May 15, 2018
Paul was one of the gentlest souls that I know. His smile would light up a room. May he rest in peace.
Liz
May 15, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I took care of him as a patient and it was a pleasure to meet him and I wish the family the best.
Brant and Jewellee Smith
May 15, 2018
Our love to the Tople family!!
Bruce Bantz
May 15, 2018
Paul is one of the finest men that I have known. We were very close in high school, through the Norton H.S. Band. Paul, Don Miller and I received a first place blue ribbon at Ohio state music competition in Columbus in his senior year. We took pictures for the school newspaper, and developed the pics in his basement on top of his mom's washer dryer on Friday nights after football or basketball games. As the PA Room "jockeys," we DJ'd school dances and assemblies. We had a spcial assembly in the school gym in '66. Sme actor gave a dramatic presentation about the life and significance of Abraham Lincoln. No one in the audience gave the actor applause, because, being teens, no one wanted to applaud for fear of being embarrassed! At the end, Paul did, and so did all the rest, to a thunder of applause. The actor at the time was an unknown -- Leonard Nimoy!
May 15, 2018
I offer my deepest condolences to the Tople family. I knew Paul as a true Scout. May he rest in peace in a better place. God speed on your final journey.
David Houk
May 15, 2018
Sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I enjoyed time with Paul at the airport and I shared many laughs with him and Steve. My prayers are with his family. Smooth Air, Paul.
Mary Miller
May 15, 2018
I went to Journalism School with Paul at Kent. He was a wonderful guy then and obviously stayed that way. He will be missed.
Mary (Seib) Miller
Class of 70
Steven Myers
May 15, 2018
This link http://trooponeakron.org/eagles.html shows sixty six Eagle Scouts from Troop One in Akron. Paul was involved in helping nearly all of them. As Scoutmaster I was always grateful to the tremendous support he offered to them and to me. He was a Scouter's scouter, never failing to have something positive and motivational to say. I will never forget the look that Paul always had on his face and that knowing conspiracy of minds that look showed when a young man had just been passed at his Eagle Court of Honor. He will be missed and darn near impossible to replace.
Joseph Andris
May 15, 2018
Our prayers go out to your family at this time We remember Paul and his siblings from visiting your Grandparents John and Beatrice Brennan we moved here on Orchard Ave when we were young and still live here next to where they lived We send Our sympathy to the Family May his Soul Rest in Peace Joe and Cathy Andris
Marlene LoGrasso
May 15, 2018
Dear Sally and Family,
Please accept my sympathy and prayers. Paul took a good photo of me for the Beacon Journal.
Blessings, love, and prayers,
Sr. Marlene LoGrasso
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Paul Tople's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Paul Tople
Funeral services provided by:
Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home - Fairlawn39 S Miller Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333
How to support Paul's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Paul Tople'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
