Obituary: George Manuel Toppa, 63, Vietnam Army Veteran, Fisherman

George Manuel Toppa, 63, of Newport died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family Friday, August 28, 2015 at Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center of Providence, RI.

Born on September 25, 1951 in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late Augustin A. Toppa and the late Jane F. (Cochrane) Toppa.

George was a Vietnam Veteran in the Army. Later in life George became an offshore fisherman for several years, then moved on to being a commercial truck driver, and shop steward for a textile company in Maine. His last place of work was at Walmart, where you could see him hanging out drinking an old fashioned regular black coffee at the Dunkin Donuts. George loved spending time with his grandchildren and late night fishing trips to Van Zandt Pier with his friends. He was an avid N. E. Patriots fan and loved watching WWE.

He is survived by his children, Sheila Marie Gillespie of Indiana, George M. Toppa Jr. of Newport, Michael Toppa of Fall River, MA, James Young of Indiana, Sandra Watson of Maine, and Grant Toppa of Connecticut. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Jane Zilinger of Newport, Augustin “Gus” Toppa of Warwick, RI, Marie Halton of Middletown, RI, Maureen Donovan of Newport,, Tina Doyle of Warwick , John Toppa of Newport, Joseph Toppa of Newport, James Toppa of Portsmouth, fifteen grandchildren, and his longtime companion, Claudia Graham of Newport, RI.

He was the brother of the late Anthony Toppa.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday September 2, 2015 from 11am to 1pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. His funeral service will be immediately following at 1pm in the funeral home.

Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.