Obituary of William F. Topka

William F. Topka, 89, passed away March 3, 2016 peacefully at Ellis Medicine in Schenectady. Born on March 29, 1926, he was the son of the late Frank and Josephine Topka. Bill was a graduate of Scotia High School and the G.E. Apprenticeship program. He was employed at G.E. Power Systems for 42 years, retiring as a Draftsman on April 1, 1986. Bill served with the U.S. Navy during World War II earning the Victory and American Theatre medals. He was married on July 4, 1948 at St. Mary’s Church in Schenectady to the former Emily Stepnowski. Bill and Emily were longtime communicants of St. Joseph's Church in Scotia, and later the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenville. Bill was an extraordinary do-it-yourselfer, building his own house on Washout Road and a camp on Galway Lake. Bill was a Charter Member of the Glenville Hill Fire Dept., serving in many capacities including Chairman of the Glenville Hill Fire District 8 Board of Fire Commissioners, and recently received his memorial 60 year service award. Bill sailed competitively on Galway Lake, and took up the game of golf later in life to play with his three sons, eventually playing in leagues at Amsterdam Municipal and Van Patten Golf Clubs. Bill had many fond memories of the "shack" and deer hunting on his father's farm. Bill was predeceased by his brother Joseph Topka and sister Irene Rucinski. Survivors include his beloved wife of 67 years, Emily; his children, David A. Topka of Mountain View, CA, Kenneth P. (Nancy Swenson) Topka of Cameron Park, CA, Terry M. Topka of Glenville, Linda T. (late Joseph) Caughman of New Stanton, PA.; his sister, Clara Batzinger of Scotia. Bill leaves behind his grandchildren, Tanya and Shelby Topka, Justen Caughman, Tony (Penny) Patterson, Michelle Patterson, Rebekah Swenson; his great grandchildren, Krystle, Megan, Justin. Several nieces and nephews survive. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 11 at 10 AM at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Rd. Glenville with Rev. Jerome Gingras officiating. Relatives and friends may call on the family Thursday evening 6 - 8 PM at the GLENVILLE FUNERAL HOME, 9 Glenridge Rd. Interment with Navy honors will be bestowed William at 12:30 PM at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to honor Bill in a special way to Alzheimer's Association, Pine West Plaza, Building 4, Suite 405 Washington Ave. Ext. Albany NY 12205. Online condolences GLENVILLEFUNERALHOME.COM