Ronald Toppazzini opened the first Mr. Topper’s Pizza in 1982 and grew the business into a provincewide franchise
Topper’s Pizza founder Ronald Toppazzini passed away Aug. 15 at the age of 88.
“Born and raised in Copper Cliff, Ronald grew up with a strong sense of family, tradition, and hard work,” said his obituary.
“From a young age, he worked at his family’s bakery in Little Italy, an experience that helped shape the work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and love of baking that would follow him throughout his life.”
Toppazzini opened the first Mr. Topper’s Pizza on Notre Dame Avenue in 1982, a franchise which has spread across Ontario. An Orillia location opened earlier this summer.
His obituary said he created “a business that became an important part of his family’s story and a lasting legacy in the community. Over the years, Ronald came to be known as ‘The Pizza Man.’”
“From his early days working in the family bakery in Copper Cliff to becoming Sudbury’s beloved ‘Pizza Man,’ Ronald lived a life built on hard work, determination, family, and community,” said his obituary.
From the single pizza shop in 1982, Toppazzini grew the business into a city-wide franchise and then a provincewide one. Topper’s Pizza has more than 40 locations across Ontario, employing more than 500 people.
The restaurant was the continuation of a long family history in the food industry, dating back to 1904 with Toppazzini’s bakery in Copper Cliff. The family recipe for Italian bread became the basis for the Topper’s Pizza crust.
The company started franchising in 1992, and has since expanded across Ontario, ranging from Timmins in the North, Ottawa to the east and Newmarket to the south. In 2026, Topper’s opened several new locations, including shops in Midland, Orillia and Peterborough.
In 2014, the company unveiled an ambitious plan to go national and open 140 restaurants by 2018. That goal wasn’t met, but the company continues to grow its Ontario footprint.
Topper’s franchise office is in Barrie, while the corporate office and call centre is located in Sudbury.
Toppazzini’s sons, Keith and Kelly Toppazzini, head the company. Keith is Topper’s president and chief operating officer, while Kelly is the chairman and CEO.
Toppazzini is survived by his wife, Jeannine Toppazzini, their four children, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“Ronald leaves behind a family that spans generations, along with countless memories, stories, and traditions that will continue to be shared for years to come,” said his obituary.
In 2022, Toppazzini was charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation in connection with alleged incidents that took place in 1989 with a person under the age of 16. However, Village Media has learned these charges were stayed in February 2024.
A funeral mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Aug. 25.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Maison McCulloch Hospice or Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Sudbury.