Robert James Toepfert (Bob), 88, of Palmyra, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville. He spent his final days surrounded by family, friends and Fox News.
Bob was born on January 13, 1937 in Queens, NY, a son of the late John and Josephine (Lavendowsky) Toepfert. It became clear early on that Bob’s life and career decisions were driven by a sense of service. At age 18, Bob joined the United States Army and served for 2 years. After, he proudly served as a Firefighter with the Fire Department of New York City for twenty years. He then went on to work for the United States Postal Service for an additional twenty years.
Throughout his life, Bob was deeply committed to volunteering with countless organizations. He was passionate about his involvement with the church and served as an usher, worked at various fundraisers, and took part in the March for Life annually. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus brotherhood for over 60 years. He was a longtime donor to the American Red Cross, donating blood and plasma as often as possible. Additionally, he led and supported his children in the many sports and social organizations they participated in. After the birth of his granddaughter, he spent countless hours working with the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia and Special Olympics
Bob was a man heavily devoted to his family and friends. He loved nothing more than spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Bob spoke of his loved ones frequently and fondly, as he cherished the moments he spent with them. As far as friends go, he never met anyone he didn’t like and had a striking ability to spark up conversation with everyone he met. If you met Bob once, you would inevitably become his friend. He was a true friend to all. He will be missed immensely by his family and friends. He will be forever remembered as PopPop, a loving family man, proud FDNY retiree, and most importantly for the love, generosity and compassion he showed and gave to others.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John Toepfert and Josephine Toepfert Corrigan, his brother, John Walter Toepfert and sister-in-law, Connie Toepfert, his father-in-law Edward Smith, mother-in-law Muriel Smith, brother-in-law, John Khorigan, sister-in-law, Barbara Khorigan and brother-in-law, Edward Smith.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Muriel Catherine (Smith) Toepfert; his daughter, Maureen Buckley, son-in-law Joseph Buckley; his son, Robert Toepfert, daughter-in-law, Lisa Toepfert; his grandchildren, Lauren, Jack, and Carolynn Buckley and Cameron Toepfert; and his sister-in-law, Donna Smith.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on January 7th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Palmyra by the Rev. John Nyanzi. The family will begin receiving friends at 10:00 a.m. A service of committal will be held at Culpeper National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Tower Foundation https://t2t.org/.
Thacker Brothers Lake Monticello Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.