Robert M. Topoleski

June 7, 2026

Robert M. Topoleski—Topper—passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026 with his devoted wife Maureen holding his hand. He was 85.

Bob was born October 23, 1940 in Great Meadows, NJ and attended Independence Central School and Hackettstown High School, where he was a member of Future Farmers of America, a lifelong member of the Independence Rod and Gun Club, and an avid outdoorsman. A third generation of Great Meadows, Bob had a family farm and worked his entire career at Jersey Central Power & Light, retiring as a troubleshooter and union Shop Steward. Bobby married Maureen Foley, the love of his life in 1960, and devoted himself to his family of 4 children, also born and raised in Great Meadows, NJ. Their many adventures in Vermont and on Lake Ontario shaped the family’s lives and brought Bob such joy, hunting and fishing and exploring. In retirement, Bob and Maureen traveled the country.

Bob is survived by his wife Maureen of 67 years. Together they raised 4 wonderful children—son Robert Jr (deceased); daughter Patricia and husband Al Barley; son John and wife Alissa Topoleski; daughter Tere Gade and Michael Kaye, granddaughter Skyler Gade; and niece Colleen and husband Jeff Zoebisch.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Cochran Funeral Home.

The funeral will be held 10:00 am on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Cochran Funeral Home, Inc., 905 High Street, Hackettstown, N.J. with Rev. Grzegorz “Greg” Podsiadlo officiating.  Burial will be in Pequest Union Cemetery, Great Meadows following the service

For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.