Ronald J. “Tops” Toperzer, Sr.

Ronald J. “Tops” Toperzer, Sr., age 81, passed away September 20, 2022, at VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach.

He was born on March 1, 1941, in West Homestead, Pennsylvania to the late Edward and Anna Bell Toperzer.

Mr. Toperzer served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He also served as an MP, radio, and television while stationed at Ft. Bragg.

Ron was the first Junior Volunteer Firefighter at the Homeville VFD, joining at the age of 16. He also served as Assistant Chief and Chief of the North Shenango Volunteer Fire Department. Ron is a life member of both departments.

While working at a radio station in Greenville, Pa, he joined with the Phi Theta Phi fraternity at Thiel College in Greenville for 15 years for their annual fundraiser walk of 100 miles from Greenville to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Ron provided the public address system from his van encouraging the walkers and for donations along the way.

In 1976, Ron worked as public relations director at Conneaut Lake Park, Conneaut Lake, PA.

Ron retired as a General Manager of a Radio Station in Meadville, PA in 1984 and began self-employment in light construction and renovations until moving to Vero Beach in 2005. He spent more than 40 years as a Disc Jockey and then management in Radio. He also served on the boards of several organizations during his time in Meadville, PA..

He married Rose Marie Melaniak in 1966, having four children. He married Stephanie Salzman in 1981, having one son.

Ron loved people and would strike up a conversation with anyone. But his greatest joy came from his children and the grandchildren he loved, adored, and who made him so proud.

His other joy in life came after moving to Florida from riding his scooter around Sebastian nearly every day.

Ron attended Christ Church of Vero Beach.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, children; Timothy (Melissa), Mary Ellen Tatro (Brian), Julie Montalbano (John), Ron (Rachel), 7 grandchildren and his brother, Curtis Toperzer of Verona, PA.

Ron was predeceased by his brother, Edward Toperzer, sister, Shirley Toperzer Lutheran and infant son, Ronald J. Toperzer, Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Christ Church, 667 20^th St, Vero beach, FL 32960.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church Academy Scholarship Fund, 667 20th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or VNA Hospice, 1110 35^th Lane, Vero Beach, FL  32960.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.