Alfred Topping

Alfred J. Topping, 88, of Commerce, GA; formerly of Amsterdam passed away Thursday, July 3, 2014.

He was a kind and thoughtful man, who loved his family, his life and his country.

He was born September 26, 1925 in Amsterdam, N.Y., the son of the late John and Theresa F. Topping.

He received his education in Amsterdam, graduating from Wilbur. H. Lynch High School, Class of 1943. He entered the U.S. Navy post-graduation, serving in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. He received additional education from LaSalle Institute – Traffic Management and Lifetime Career School – Floral Design. He married the love of his life, Doris M. Goldy on April 10, 1948.

Al was employed by Mohawk Carpet Mills (Mohasco Corp) for 39 years, progressing through various shipping and transportation responsibilities. Following the curtailment of the Amsterdam Plant shipping activities, he was transferred to the Corporate Offices as a Freight Rate Analyst and Export-Import Coordinator.

In 1981 Al and his wife Doris opened Doral’s Touch of Class Florist on Locust Avenue from, which they retired in 1990.

Al’s affiliations include St. Mary’s Church, Volunteer at St. Mary’s Hospital, Horace J. Inman Senior Center and past member of its Board of Directors.

Al was predeceased by his parents, his brother Robert Topping, his sister Phyllis Campbell and his wife Doris in 2003, after 55 years of marriage. He is survived by his daughter Sharon Insero from Pittsford, New York, his son John Topping (Mary) from Commerce, Georgia and his son, Richard Topping (Diana) from Columbus, Ohio. Al also leaves behind grandchildren Jeffrey Insero (Anne), Christopher Topping (Debbie), David Topping (Corrie), Tucker Topping, R.J. Barone (Jocelyn) and J.P. Barone. Al was fortunate enough to have the love of great grandchildren in his life, Haley Insero, Madison Insero, Mia Barone and Derek Barone.

Following the death of his wife, Al has spent his last ten years comfortable and happy enjoying life with his son, John Topping and daughter in law, Mary (Noonan)Topping in their welcoming home in Commerce Georgia.

Funeral services will be held Saturday June 19, 2014 at 8:30 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY; followed at 9:15 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY.

Calling hours are Friday July 18, 2014 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Al’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Church, Amsterdam, New York, American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY; 12205-3890 or the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY; 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205.