Richard Allen Topper, 88, of Georgetown, died April 21.

Topper was a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra from 1957-1993, he started his music career at Altoona High School and at the age of 14 traveled each weekend to study with Harold Smith, bass teacher at Julliard School of Music in New York City and member of the NBC Symphony. After graduation he received a full scholarship and continued his studies at Julliard.

In 1943 he left his studies to serve in the United States Air Force and was discharged as Staff Sergeant, 127th Army Air Force Base in 1945. He returned to Julliard, but was soon after recruited by Thor Johnson, Julliard Conductor, to start his career with him at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Topper married Mary “Mamie” Marusak on the same day he played his first concert at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Topper is survived by his wife Mary Topper of 65 years, children Tabetha (Jack) Adams, Teresa (James) Dublikar, grandchildren Christopher, Gabriel, Desiree, Alexandra, Andrew and Dominic, great-grandchildren Rhea, Olive, Toby, Isabella, Gabriella and Olivia and his brother Paul Topper.

Visitation noon until 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial April 26 at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica in Covington. A reception will follow mass on Friday at the Radisson Hotel in Covington at 2:30 p.m.

Memorials to Erich Kunzel Center for Arts and Education at SCPA, 108 West Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202, or the Ohio Veterans Home, 2003 Veterans Blvd., Georgetown, OH 45121.