Obituary: Theodore 'Ted' Toponak

Theodore "Ted’"Toponak

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Theodore “Ted” Toponak, 78, of Russell, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on Aug. 21, 1947, in Lewiston, Ted was the son of the late Theodore E. Toponak and Judith Toponak. He lived a life defined by devotion to family, faith, hard work, and service to others.

Ted shared 58 loving years of marriage with his beloved wife, Christine “Chris” Gombert Toponak. Together, they built a life centered on family, community, and unwavering support for one another. He was a proud and loving father to Theodore “Ted” G. Toponak (Kelly) and Patricia “Tricia” A. Toponak Eastham (Matt).

Nothing brought Ted greater joy than his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He leaves behind Matthew Allen Nelson, Jacob Randall Nelson (Cayla), Jonathan Luke Nelson Eastham, Lila Brooke Toponak, Carter Magee Toponak, Olivia Grace Ray, and Parker Coleman Ray, as well as his treasured great-grandsons: Oliver Nelson and Theodore “Teddy” Nelson.

Ted is also survived by his brother, Steve Toponak; his sister, Tanis Toponak; and his brother-in-law, Greg Gombert; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Frank Toponak; and his sister-in-law, Jeanne Toponak.

Ted graduated as part of the Lewiston-Porter High School Class of 1966. He later studied electronics at Niagara County Community College before beginning a long and respected career as an industrial electrician with Ashland Oil and Marathon Oil. He began his career at the Ashland refinery in Tonawanda before transferring in 1982 to the refinery in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, where he continued his work until retirement.

A man deeply committed to his community, Ted was honored as a Kentucky colonel and actively served with the East Greenup County Kiwanis Club. He was a former board member and devoted member of Bethel Lutheran Church, served on the board of the American Red Cross, and volunteered his time delivering Meals on Wheels.

In his younger years, Ted enjoyed fishing, hunting, skiing, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. Later in life, his greatest happiness came from supporting his children and attending the many activities, milestones and accomplishments of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ted was known for his love of history, quick wit, and remarkable knowledge – making him nearly impossible to beat in a game of “Jeopardy!” More importantly, he will be remembered for his kindness, humility, positive spirit, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether speaking with community leaders or meeting someone for the first time, Ted treated everyone with the same respect and warmth.

A funeral service was held Thursday, May 14, at Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel with words of comfort by Pastor Norm Staker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, East Greenup County Kiwanis Club, or the American Cancer Society.

Ted’s legacy of love, generosity, faith, and quiet strength will live on through the family and friends who were blessed to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.