Obituary of William Vincent Topel

     William Vincent Topel, 97, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 29, 2025. William was born on June 29, 1927, in Rochester, NY, the oldest son of the late William Henry Topel and Daphne Ramsperger Topel and is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 69 years, Shirley Vaisey Topel. William graduated from the Aquinas Institute of Rochester in 1945. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba before receiving an honorable discharge in July 1946. William graduated from the University of Denver in 1952 with a BS in Business and concentration in Construction Management, a field he worked in until retiring in 1987.

      William and Shirley Vaisey were married in 1956. They built a home in Webster in 1959, where they raised their children and continued to live until his death. William was predeceased by his parents and his brother James A. Topel. In addition to his wife Shirley, he is survived by his children, Susan Topel-Samek (Peter) of Fort Myers, FL, Anne Christner (Jim) of Brighton, NY, Robert Topel (Christine) of Penfield, NY and Mary Kay Rox of Fairport, NY. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Brian Samek, Gregory (Mandi) Samek, Daphne Topel-Samek, Sarah Christner, Ashley Topel, Erin Topel, Lindsay Topel, Jordan Rox, Sean Rox. 

      William was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. The family would like to say a special thank you to Judy Beh-Conrose, Tracey Crowley and Jim Batchelor for all their help caring for him. Friends may call 9:45-10:30 AM Friday, April 11 at St. Rita Church, 1008 Maple Dr., Webster, where his Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the West Webster Volunteer Fire Department, Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance Service, or the Aquinas Institute of Rochester.