Benjamin W. Topar, 86, of Gouldsboro, died Saturday evening at the Gino Merli Veterans Center, Scranton after a long struggle from Parkinson’s disease. His wife of 57 years is Mary P. Mrowca Topar. Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Alexander and Constance Topar. Ben was a graduate of West Scranton High School, a member of St. Rita’s Church, Gouldsboro, a United States Air Force veteran having served during the Korean War, a member of the Gouldsboro American Legion and retired as a sheet metal specialist after 30 years for Tobyhanna Army Depot. Ben was a loving husband, father, grampa and a friend to many. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman who would walk the woods to pick edible berries, mushrooms and various plants. He is also survived by two sons, Benjamin J. Topar and wife Susan, Newfoundland, David Topar, Oahu, Hawaii, two grandsons, Jonathan and Matthew Topar. He was also predeceased by his grandmother, Catherine Kulp Topar, who raised him from infancy along with her own 11 children. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 am in St. Rita’s Church, 512 Main Street, Gouldsboro, Pa, 18424. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow. Viewing for family and friends will be on Tuesday, 5 to 8 pm in the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton. Those who wish to attend the funeral Mass on Wednesday are asked to meet at St. Rita’s Church for 10 am.
