William E. Toppan Jr. Obituary
Mr. William E. "Bill" Toppan, Jr., 75 of Gloucester, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 20th, 2022, due to the injuries he sustained in a tragic car accident. As devastated as we are in losing our "Big Bill", we are comforted in knowing that he has joined hands with his beloved wife of 43 years, Phyllis (Loiacano) Toppan, who he greatly missed over the last 12 years.
Growing up in Pigeon Cove with several goats and chickens, Bill was one of eight children born to the late William E. Toppan Sr. and Mary (Clancy) Toppan. Notorious for being mischievous, he could always be found at Pingree Park and various quarries with childhood friends. Bill was a stellar athlete who loved to play baseball and basketball. Alongside his dad, at the age of 14, Bill played baseball for the Rockport Intertown League; one of the oldest leagues in the United States. Throughout the years, they won many championships and bonded over their accomplishments of being father and son in the ITL Hall of Fame. But that was only the beginning for Bill, one of his proudest moments was when he was scouted by the Red Sox during his senior year at Rockport High School, graduating in 1964.
Bill truly hit a home run when he met the love of his life, Phyllis – turning down the Red Sox to stay on the Island and start a family, creating one of his greatest legacies.
A man with a strong work ethic, Bill started his working career pounding steel at the Rockport Tool Company, he then continued his profession with Thermet Inc. Embracing the Gloucester tradition, Bill began his salt life career working as a Fisherman for Nino Sanfilippo. Through his experience and professional relationships, he was granted the partnership in helping to create G.M.F. Lobster Company. Bill ended his professional career returning to his original roots, retiring as a Machinist with Bomco, where he enjoyed many friendships.
Always a kid at heart, Bill enjoyed life and having fun. He loved vacationing, taking trips to Florida with his family, visiting the White Mountains, Las Vegas and many cruises with special friends, Liz and Lenny Biondo.
What the Red Sox lost - Gloucester's softball league gained - Bill was a legend on the softball mound. With his fierce accuracy, he was recruited by many teams in hopes of winning a championship, enjoying many victories at Sherms C.A.V. Bill was proud of his Finnish heritage and valued many traditions including foods and a hot sauna, which he greatly enjoyed when visiting his longtime friend, Jussi Wayrynen. He was a devoted family man, a friend to all, and cherished spending time with his special grandchildren, supporting them in their many exciting endeavors. His infectious smile and laughter will be fondly remembered by all who knew him; and although his passing was tragic, his life was full and rich with love joy and adventure. He will be greatly missed.
Bill is survived by his children and their families, Mary Jo Bennett and her companion, Felipe Brewster Clemente, Phyllisanne Toppan and William E. Toppan, III and his wife Andrea; his grandchildren, Brianna and her husband, Anthony, Krystal, Peter, Matthew, Geri, William, Michael and Jayden and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Donna Toppan and her companion, Vince Delisi and Claire Franklin; sisters-in-law, Mary Contri and Dini Favazza and her husband, Peter; brother-in-law, Guido Lauranzano; former son-in-law, Joe Bennett and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was predeceased by his in-laws, Angelina (Loiacano) Strescino, Salvatore Loiacano and Capt. Enrico Strescino; siblings, Alice Lauranzano, Helen Arsenault and her husband Walter, Mary Ann Veara and her husband Robert, Bertha Gness and Waino Toppan and brothers-in-law, Walter Franklin and James Contri.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bill's funeral Mass which will be held in St. Ann's Church, Holy Family Parish, 74 Pleasant St., Gloucester on Friday, January 28th at 10 A.M. Masks required. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Gloucester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to the Gloucester Fisherman Athletic Association, P.O. Box 3010, Gloucester, MA 01930 or online at http://www.thegfaa.org.
Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA.
