Jerry was born in Queens, New York on Nov. 2, 1944 to Jerry Topinka Sr. and Betty (Maley) Topinka. He grew up in the town of East Islip, Long Island, New York. Jerry’s interest in science began as a young boy, his early experiments nearly resulted in blowing up the family garage! He was also drawn to the ocean early on, working on the clam flats of Great South Bay throughout high school.

Jerry attended college at University of Massachusetts and earned a PhD in botany. He worked for the marine station at Gloucester, Massachusetts but shortly after graduation moved with his young family and early group of marine scientists to Maine to work at Bigelow Laboratory.

After retiring early from his science career, Jerry continued to love gardening and cooking and sharing these talents with friends. He made two cross-country road trips in the last few years enjoying seeing America and visiting his children.

He was very active with the Lincoln County Democrats and local Indivisible groups, working very hard to leave the world a better place for his grandchildren and those who follow. He loved people and was always interested in social events. He made friends wherever he went.

Jerry is survived by his two children and their families: John Topinka and wife, Natalie and granddaughters, Marin and Anneliese; and Jori (Topinka) Bullemer and husband, Steve, and granddaughter Soli and grandson Bergen.

Plans for a celebration of life have not been finalized at this time.