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Raymond H. Topping Sr.
Raymond H. Topping Sr. died at his Bridgehampton home on January 19. He was 85.
Born on November 17, 1927, at Southampton Hospital to Harold Halsey Topping and Myfanwy Jones Topping, he was a lifelong resident of Bridgehampton. He attended the Bridgehampton School, leaving before graduating to work on his family farm and then becoming a mechanic in the farm equipment repair shop he and his father owned.
He was a member of the Bridgehampton Methodist Church, where he met his wife, Dorothy. According to survivors, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a friend to many. In the winter, he could often be found at one of the local bays or ponds iceboating with the Mecox Bay Iceboating Club members and his family. A member of the Bridgehampton Fire Department for 66 years, he moved up the ranks to serve as chief and then as a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners. He also served as a member of the Bridgehampton School Board for several years.
He and his wife were members of the Peconic Bay Region Antique Automobile Club of America and enjoyed showing their collection of antique cars and attending various events held by the club. He also enjoyed collecting and showing his antique tractors.
Predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy Dunwell Topping, and a brother, John H. Topping, he is survived by a son, Raymond Jr. of Bridgehampton; two daughters, Diane Howe and husband Donald of Water Mill, and Leanne Hostetter and husband Amos B. Jr. of Bridgehampton; seven grandchildren, Raymond J. Topping of Virginia, Kimberly Topping Eroh and husband Bobby of Louisiana, Devan Howe and fiance Andrew Kuettner and Danielle Howe of Water Mill, and Jacob, Joshua and Matthew Hostetter of Bridgehampton; and two great-grandsons, Adam R. Topping and Jack J. Topping.
A funeral service was held on January 24 at the Bridgehampton Methodist Church, with the Reverend Joanne S. Utley officiating. Interment followed at the Edgewood Cemetery in Bridgehampton.
Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
on Jan 28, 2013