Joseph J. Toppi Sr.

Joe was born in Portland on March 18, 1922, the son of Justina and John Toppi.

He attended Portland schools, and at the age of 13, left school and got his driver’s license to help with the family business. He proudly went on to serve in the U.S. Army during WWII. At the conclusion of WWII, Joe operated a grocery store on Fore Street before he opened his own on Veranda Street in the East Deering section of Portland. Joe’s store was successful, in part, due to his loyal customer base who returned regularly for his handmade Italian sausages. Joe was a happy soul who always had a smile on his face, a joke or two to tell and a kind word for everyone. To know him was to love him. After Joe sold his business, he drove a cab for a while, driving for Yellow Cab and Town Taxi, and then went on to work for Casco Bank as a messenger. He absolutely loved his job, which took him on the road while still allowing him the social aspect he had come to love as the proprietor of his grocery store. Joe stayed with the bank until his retirement where he looked forward to spending more time with his sons and grandchildren. Joe was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Peter, Daniel and Fred, and his sister, Rose. He leaves behind his beloved sons, Joseph Jr. of South Portland, and Charles and his wife Cathy of Hollis; his grandchildren; one great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews who will miss him greatly. A visiting hour will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m., with services at 12 p.m., at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. A burial service will follow at Calvary Cemetery.