Joseph J. Topor died at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Friday, October 31, 2008. He was 87 years of age. Joe was born in West Springfield, raised in Malden and attended Malden Schools. Mr. Topor worked as a letter carrier for 37 years, first in the Edgeworth section of Malden and then throughout the rest of the city, retiring in 1985. After he retired from the post office he continued to work as a handyman for 15 years. Joseph was a proud WWII Marine Veteran, was an Iwo Jima survivor, was injured twice on Iwo Jima, received the purple heart and served in the Marines for 10 years. Mr. Topor was a family man, devoted to his grandchildren and a great person who was very giving. He enjoyed gardening; working around the house and Boston sports teams. Joe was a member of the activity center in Wakefield, the VFW Post # 639 in Malden, the Malden DAV, was a dedicated Marine who attended the annual Iwo Jima Celebration every year. Mr. Topor was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy E. (Shepard) Topor. Loving father of William J. Topor of CA, James J. Topor of Tewksbury and Barbara A. Ventola of N. Andover. Devoted grandfather of Giovanna & Francesca Ventola of N. Andover, Joseph James Topor II of Tewksbury & Nicole Topor of CA. Cherished uncle of Jon, Jamie, Jennifer & Jocelyn all of Wilmington. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Thurs. Nov.6th at 8AM. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose at 9AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours Wed. 4-8PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church, 46 Myrtle St. Melrose 02176.