Obituary of Michael R. Topp

Michael Richard Topp, 79, of Bolton, UK, passed away on 18th June 2024 in Lafayette Hill, PA.

Michael was born in Bolton, UK to Harold (RAF pilot) and Evelyn Topp on the 13th August 1944. He attended Bolton School for Boys. He went on to study chemistry at Sheffield University, graduating top of his class, and then earned his PhD in Chemistry through the Royal Society of Great Britain in London, in 1968. He married his wife, Elaine, in April 1969 and they first visited America that year for Michael’s post-doc at Bell Labs, NJ. The family returned to Britain where Michael took up a teaching position at Oxford University in 1971.

The family soon returned to America and Michael worked as a research professor in physical chemistry and taught at the University of Pennsylvania for 44 years, retiring in 2018. As a boy, Michael was an avid cross-country runner, and as an adult, a competitive squash and badminton player. Michael was a voracious reader, an avid gardener, and nature lover with a life-long passion for the piano. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards for teaching and was greatly admired by his students.

Michael is survived by his wife, Elaine, children Roger, Colin, and Stephanie, and grandchildren Kaelin and William Topp.  

Michael was cremated by Lownes Funeral Home on Friday, 21st June, funeral service held at Lownes Funeral Home on 26th June 2024 at 11am with Reverend Todd (ret.) of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Memorial service followed at the family home in Lafayette Hill.