Rick Topper

Rick Topper, beloved husband, devoted father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to so many, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, January 19, 2024.  His passing has left a void in the community.

Rick, 59, is survived by his loving wife, Anne of 33 years; children, Samantha, Joseph and Jack; mother, Therese; siblings, Phil & Norrie Topper, nieces Paige, Kayla & husband, Clay, and Jaclyn; Keith Topper; Trina & Jason Crum, nieces Hayley & fiancé, Nic, Taylor and Olivia and nephew, Connor; Sister-in-law Rachel Topper Greco, nephew, CJ Topper, nieces Hannah & Gabby. Rick is also survived by in-laws Cheryl & Jim Corbett; Steve & Diane Gartrell, nephews Michael and Daniel; Jim & Michelle Gartrell; Bill & Laraine Gartrell, nephew Billy & fiancé, Laura.

Rick is predeceased by his father, Philip Topper, Sr., brother, Chad and nephew, Andrew. In-laws, Bill and Marion Gartrell, and brother-in-law, Danny Gartrell.

Rick grew up in Emmitsburg as part of a large family and community.  Rick’s days were spent enjoying time and having fun with his many cousins, neighbors, and friends, from playing sports - baseball, football, basketball and soccer - to fishing, relishing the outdoors, and working and engaging in general mischief on his grandfather’s farm.  He attended Mother Seton Elementary School, Saint Joseph’s High School, and Mount Saint Mary’s University, where he met his wife, Anne, who has a very special place in Rick’s heart.

Rick was the owner and president of Topper Construction Company based in Frederick, MD with additional offices in PA and DE. Rick grew his company from a small local residential roofing and foundation waterproofing company to a well-respected and acclaimed Mid-Atlantic general roofing, waterproofing and siding company that improved the homes of families in MD, VA, WV, PA and DE. 

When he wasn’t guiding his company, Rick loved spending time with his family, especially at his beloved beach vacations, and playing golf and cards with those he cherished.

Rick coached youth sports and was an avid supporter of his children, something he inherited from his parents, Phil & Therese. He and Anne never missed any events or games.

The late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott said so eloquently about his own fight with cancer:

“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and the manner in which you live.’’

Rick was the best of us -- a kind, selfless soul who enriched the lives of countless people inspired by his upbeat positivity -- easy, infectious laugh and strong, focused work ethic and leadership. Not once during his battle with cancer did he surrender to a down day and continued to put others first.  Be assured that Rick lived a beautiful life and his enduring legacy is the strong, caring family that he nurtured and that carries on his spirit.

Daughter Samantha is a PICU nurse at Johns Hopkins; Rick mentored son, Joe, to follow in his footsteps leading Topper Construction into the future; and son, Jack, is a science software developer at NASA.  Rick was very proud of his children and their many accomplishments.

Rick Topper will be dearly missed. But his remarkable spirit and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know such a humble, giving man.

It is an admirable legacy to a life lived fully in the best possible manner.

The family will receive friends at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 8428 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702 on Friday, January 26th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 27th, at 11:00 am at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church.

Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Rick Topper Charitable Fund, formed for the purposes of supporting organizations, students and young adults directed toward careers in the construction trades, c/o The Community Foundation of Frederick County, 312 E. Church St., Frederick, MD 21701, or visit www.FrederickCountyGives.org/Topper.

Arrangements are with Stauffer Funeral Home, Frederick. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.