John S. Toppin

Charlton/West Brookfield - John S. Toppin, 92, of Charlton and formerly a long-time resident of West Brookfield, died on Friday, August 5, 2022 at Overlook Masonic Home.

He leaves his daughters, Beth Campbell and her husband Kevin, and Rebecca Miglionico and her husband Nick, his grandchildren, Jason Toppin, Steven Rohde, Kristen Higgs, Jaime Miglionico, Joshua Toppin, Jordan Miglionico, and Olivia Toppin, as well as two great grandchildren, Jaxon Breault, and Jade Toppin. He was predeceased last year by his wife of 62 years, Priscilla A. Toppin, and their son, Jeffrey W. Toppin in 2020.  He was born in Ware, son of the late Samuel H. and Catherine (O’Brien) Toppin.

John graduated from the former Brookfield High School 1948, and Bridgeton Academy in 1949.  He later enlisted in the United States Navy, serving 4 years during the Korean War.  Following the service, he graduated from Clark University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

John had an extensive professional career and finished his career at Kollmorgen in North Hampton where he worked for 25 years as the Vice-President of Operations.  He was well known and well liked in the Town of West Brookfield serving as Selectman, a member of the School Committee, Town Moderator, and active in the town throughout his life.  John was a sports enthusiast from playing, officiating, couching locally, and following sports teams at all levels. He was devoted to his wife Priscilla, and a loving father and grandfather. John touched the lives of many individuals, his logic, listening skills, thoughtful advice and humor will be remembered by many. He made life richer. His optimism was infectious, he made a difference to so many people. John had a unique perspective seeing ordinary things in extraordinary ways. An example would be a conversation he had with one of his grandchildren explaining the benefits of people’s differences. “If everyone thought the same way as I did, think of how crowded the golf courses would be.”

At his request, funeral services for John will be held privately, with burial in Pine Grove Cemetery in West Brookfield. 

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements. 

An online guest book is available at varnumfuneralhome.com 

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