Robert William Toopes

Robert William Toopes, 52, born July 22, 1957 to the late Ed and Helen Toopes passed away Friday, October 16, 2009 at Riverside Hospital. He was a 1975 graduate of Bishop Ready High School, received his undergraduate degree from Capital University and his Master’s Degree from the University of Dayton. Bob was a longtime member of St. Matthew the Apostle Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister. He was a passionate teacher and coach who dedicated 30 years of his life to the Gahanna School System. He was dedicated to his many students and players whose lives he influenced over the years. Bob was an avid sports fan. He loved the Browns, Indians, Buckeyes, Gahanna Lions, DeSales Stallions and his Monday night golf league. One of Bob’s most recent accomplishments was completing the New Albany Half Marathon as a member of the “Gahanna Get Moving Team” after undergoing a recent hip replacement. He never met a stranger and he had the ability to make everyone around him feel special. He was a loving husband and father who will be deeply missed by all his family and friends. Bob is survived by loving wife of 30 years, Teri (Mulligan) Toopes; children, Katie and Ryan Toopes, whom he was extremely proud of; mother-in-law & father-in-law, Mary Kay and Tom Mulligan; brother and sister-in-law, Dave & Ruth Toopes; Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Geri & Jim McGovern, Dr. Michael & Sue Mulligan, Patrick & Peggy Mulligan, Timothy & Kris Mulligan, Kathy & Tim Myers and Mary Beth Mulligan & Mark Dahlberg; nieces and nephews who he loved to nickname and tease, Matt and Jordan Toopes, Andy, Matt and Brian McGovern, Jason, Daniel, Hannah and Patrick Mulligan, Maggie, Sara, Tessa and Abbie Mulligan, Samantha, Megan, Jake and Tommy Mulligan, Nick, Lauren and Deanna Myers; along with numerous extended family, “adopted” sons and daughters, friends, neighbors and his beloved “puppies”, Daisy and Rocco. Bob will also be sadly missed by his teaching colleagues, coaching staff, present and former students and players, and golfing buddies. Family and friends are welcome to join in a celebration of Bob’s life on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 from 3-5 & 6-9pm at St. Matthew the Apostle Church, 807 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30am, Wednesday, October 21, 2009. Fr. Paul Noble Celebrant. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the American Heart Association, 5455 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43214. Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTH CHAPEL, 5554 Karl Road.