Alvin R. Topfer

Alvin R. Topfer, 82, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at Hospice Care of the VNA, Heritage House, Wilkes-Barre.

Born on June 20, 1924, in Bethlehem, Pa., he was a son of Henry and Isabelle Ritter Topfer. A World War II U.S. Army infantry veteran, he was awarded the Purple Heart, serving as a member of the Timberwolf ground forces in Germany. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans Association and the National Timberwolf Associates.

A 1947 graduate of Ursinus College, he went on to earn a M.S. degree in engineering physics at Lehigh University. Mr. Topfer began his career with the Johnsville Naval Air Development Center as a physicist, researching the flutter and vibration characteristics of pilotless aircraft. He also participated in research and development of ramjet and solid-fuel engines.

Additionally, he designed equipment and instrumentation for automatic jet-electrolytic fabrication and the evaluation of surface barrier and micro-alloy germanium and silicon transistors for Philco Corporation. He participated in the development of a new type of infrared probe for measuring moisture in cellophane for American Viscose Corporation.

Moving to Mountain Top in 1962, Mr. Topfer was employed with RCA Radio Corporation of America, where he was responsible for generating and implementing research and development contracts with NASA for improving the efficiency and radiation resistance of solar cells. He also developed photo-conductive materials and encapsulation methods for cadmium sulfide photocells. He received four patents for his work in engineering physics.

Prior to his retirement, Mr. Topfer was employed by Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke, where he taught physics, mathematics, engineering and electronic and computer courses.

Mr. Topfer was preceded in death by a son, Keith A. Topfer; and a brother, Henry Topfer.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Sue Ace Topfer, Wilkes-Barre; two sons, Edward H. of Allen, Tex. and Kurt A. of Mountain Top; a daughter, Dorothy S. Kimes of Redmond, Oreg.; and a brother, Charles N. Topfer of Mentor, Ohio. He leaves four grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Services will be private. Interment will be at the Nicholson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Keith A. Topfer Memorial Scholarship at the Hill School, 717 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.