Anton Topole

Auburn- Anton Topole, 80, of Buckfield, Maine passed away on August 16th with his family by his side. He was born December 1, 1934 in Celje, Yugoslavia to Izadora (Cuk) and Anton Topole. He spent two years in the International Refugee Camps before coming to America at the age of 16.

Anton served our country for 8 years as a member of the United States Air Force before returning home to complete his education; earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and Government at the University of Maine, Orono and his Masters Degree in Political Science at Indiana University. As a professor of History and Political Science at Ricker College and the University of Maine Presque Isle, Anton shared his passion for history and politics with his students. During this time, he accompanied his students abroad while they completed field studies on the history and educational systems of several eastern European countries. He later worked for the State of Maine as a manager in the Department of Labor. Anton enjoyed connecting with others around the world through his Ham Radio. He had amassed quite a collection of calling cards from the many people he spoke with over the years, displaying them with pride. As a Master Gardener he enjoyed playing with soil, not dirt, as he often corrected, surrounding his home with a beautiful variety of flowers and trees. He leaves behind his wife and friend of 32 years, Janet Topole, daughters; Caroline Ray, her husband Mike and their children; Gina and Matthew of Framingham, MA, Alexandra Topole and her son Eric of Miami, FL, Katherine Sirois, her husband Lyndon and their children Alexander, his fiancée Amy Gauthier, and Stephanie of Minot, ME, sons; Anton Eric and grandsons Anton and Luke of Queensland, Australia and Nicholas Cimato and his husband Tian of New York, NY. You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Anton’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

A graveside service will be held at noon on Friday August 21st at the Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery Mt Vernon Rd, in Augusta. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services, 217 Turner St. AUBURN 783-8545.