Joseph J. Toppin Jr., 91; Active New Canaan Volunteer; Retired Publishing Executive

From Hoyt Funeral Home.

Joseph J. Toppin Jr., 91, a resident of New Canaan for over 86 years, died Monday after a 3 year battle with dementia, on August 17, 2015 at his home with his loving family by his side.

He was the husband of Joan Nubel Toppin.

Joe was born in Brooklyn, NY, June 28, 1924, and was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Higgins Toppin.

He entered the U.S. Navy the day after he graduated from New Canaan High School in 1942. He served in the Philippines, Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian, Leyte Gulf, Enewctok and Hollandia, New Guinea, in addition to serving in Pearl Harbor. He was discharged in 1946.

Joe was the President of United Publishing and Printing in Stamford prior to his retirement. He was a very active member of the New Canaan community for many years and one of the men who made New Canaan what it is today. He served as the Chairman of the Parks & Recreation for 23 years, he was an integral part of the Waveny purchase, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Fr. John Stapleton Council # 2287 and was a Past Grand Knight. Joe was also Chairman of and founded the Family of 4th of July for 25 years, he was a Grand Marshall of the Memorial Day parade and Assistant Commander of the VFW for many years.

In addition to his wife Joan, he is survived by one son, Joseph Toppin, III, and his fiancé Ramona Zablan of Milford, CT; and his daughter Melinda Toppin Gallagher and her husband Jamie of Solon, OH, and three grandchildren, Jamie Jr., Brendan and Ryan Gallagher. He was pre-deceased by a son, Gerald Toppin, and his sister, Patricia Toppin Emro.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 21, at St. Aloysius Church, Cherry Street , New Canaan at 10 AM and interment in Lakeview Cemetery to follow. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 20 from 4-8 PM at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St., New Canaan.

For online condolences visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com