Vernon Clayton Toppin Obituary
Vernon "Vern" Clayton Toppin passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on May 25, 1935, in Sutton, New Hampshire, Vern grew up enjoying the outdoors and fishing with his many siblings.
Vern humbly served as a United States Marine from 1953 to 1956, stationed in Hawaii and Japan. After his military service, he worked for 25 years as a warehouse manager at Sears Roebuck in Fallsington, Pennsylvania. In 1959, Vern married Catherine Ann Schmitt in Allentown, New Jersey, where they raised their three children. The family later returned to New Hampshire, where Vern and Catherine owned and operated a general store in Chichester. Before retiring, Vern served as head of security at Concord Hospital.
In retirement, Vern and Catherine moved to Addison, Maine. A devoted family man, Vern expressed his love through actions and service. He was an expert woodworker, crafting furniture, snow sleds, birdhouses, dollhouses, and a playhouse for his grandchildren. Vern also enjoyed gardening, producing bountiful vegetable gardens and a pumpkin patch for his great-grandchildren.
Affectionately known as "Maintenance" at Toppin’s Diesel & Marine, his son Tim's shop, Vern volunteered his time maintaining the grounds and stacking firewood. He was always ready to help others, preferring to do so quietly without seeking recognition.
Vern was predeceased by his parents, Lorna and Joe Couch; son-in-law, Duke Mercantini; siblings, Doris Gregg, Hope Hoffman, Barbara Willete, Kenneth Toppin, Joanne Criege, and Jeannette Couch; and in-laws, Anna, Adolph, and Fred Schmitt.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Catherine Toppin; children, Donna Toppin-Mercantini, David Toppin (Maureen McLaughlin), and Timothy Toppin; grandchildren, Haley (Jason) Strout, Anna (Anthony) Miele, Cami Mercantini (Jess Connor), Kayla (Spencer) Thompson, and Kristen and Amy Brunn; great-grandchildren, Easton, Callie, Parker, and Brooks; brothers-in-law, Richard and Bob Schmitt; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Vern lived his 89 years with quiet dedication to those he loved. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
