Roll Call Tribute

Published in Dallas Morning News from Aug. 23 to Aug. 24, 2014

Harold Topletz(1919 - 2014)
Topletz, Harold Harold Myer Topletz, took his last flight on August 20, 2014 at the age of 95 years young in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loved ones. Harold, born in Dallas, 1919, was the youngest son of six kids, who were all lifelong residents of Dallas and grew up in South Dallas. He was the last born of the generation from Solomon & Rebecca Topletz, who immigrated to America in 1885 through the port of Galveston, Texas. The 20th century for Harold was full of exciting times. Upon Harold first met his sweetheart and future wife, Dale, at Forest Ave High School. Upon graduation, Harold attended Texas A&M and was in the horse cavalry. Graduating from Texas A&M in 1939, Harold joined the mechanized cavalry, later the US Army Air Corps & the US Air Force. Harold flew well over a hundred sorties in WWII. Harold trained in Paris, Lubbock & Austin Texas to obtain his wings... Harold picked up his first crew in Ft Wayne, IN and flew onto Redding, England in August, of '44. (D Day was June 6, 44). Harold flew in the South of France & served as a pilot for missions in the Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne and Operation Spring Garden, (remember the movie "One Bridge Too Far"), then onto Chateau Fluery, near Paris to supply General Patton, who in turn provided champagne to the pilots as thanks for their mission performed. On VE day, in a million to one chance meeting bumped into his brother, Jack, while each were stopped at Marrakesh, Casa Blanca. This was truly a bright spot for Harold from the dark days of the War. Harold was a decorated pilot serving in WWII and was called to serve in the Korean War, flying with the Korean Conflict and remained in the reserves retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Harold returned to Dallas, after his military service, to join the Generational Family Business that Solomon Topletz started in Tyler, by lending money to farmers in 1885 and avoiding the East Texas Indians that abounded in that time. Upon relocating to Dallas, Solomon started a home construction business with the family and would provide financing for homebuyers while building in South Dallas. In his civilian life, Harold took pride in working every day of his life, continuing on with his brother (Jack), son (Dennis) and grandsons (Lane & Casey). The business was changing and Harold changed with the times, to go into the Home Rentals & Mortgages. Harold was a man with a huge heart and always would stop to assist others in need, with less than him. After the WWII, Dallas was booming. Real Estate was the place to be. Harold, well in tune with his family ties, continued the business of serving the South Dallas market for real estate. With his long term vision, Harold saw the lower income markets being underserved and decided he could make a difference in people's lives. The banks were hard pressed to not make loans in areas that were growing out of favor to homebuyers and low income households of South Dallas. Harold saw his calling to be one of the few people to serve the needs of the lower income market. Harold was compassionate and would extend credit, knowing full well that his kindness may not be repaid. Harold made a good living providing a shelter service to those in need without regard to return on his equity. Harold worked tirelessly until just a short time prior to his death, to make sure all of the people he could help would be well served after his demise. Over a period of 65+ years in the real estate business, Harold was continually rewarded from the bounty of his largess from all that he could assist in his workplace. As a fierce advocate of the low income households, Harold walked the walk and railed against a City that is to this day determined to rid South Dallas of all low income properties and replace them with City Designated Developments that will have to be supported by public Tax Dollars. Harold was not of the belief that the government could do a better job of taking care of the low income household'. It is a great opportunity for Dallas, that his son, Dennis and his sons will continue the legacy of Solomon Topletz and his son, Harold, to provide shelter to low income households. Harold was a devoted 67 year member of Congregation Shearith Israel. Harold was a 60+ year member, 32 degree Mason & Past Master at Pentagon Lodge #1080. He was a 60+ year member of the Jewish War veterans and the Hella Temple Scottish Rite ShrinersHarold was preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart/wife of 53 years, Dale Epstein Topletz. He is survived by his daughter Vicki, & two sons Steven K (Karen) & Dennis (Iris), five grandchildren, Lane (Lupe), Casey, Wendy, Steven B (Kristen) Topletz, Julie (Adam) Chabira and three great grandchildren, Isabella Topletz, Addison & Audrey Chabira, a large extended family & his loving companion Mary Ann Sigel. Harold was a pillar of the community and a true warrior for his country. He was a firm believer in the promise of the American dream and dedicated his life to seeing it fulfilled in his family and all the lives he touched. Harold loved life & worked tirelessly to help others in need. As a true Patriarch, he was always there for his family. This is truly the end of a generational era. He will be greatly missed. The funeral service will be held at Congregation Shearith Israel, 9401 Douglas in Dallas, on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 10AM. Burial with military honors will follow at Shearith Israel Cemetery at 4634 Dolphin Road. Services will be officiated by Rabbi William Gershon & Cantor Itzhak Zhrebeker. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Congregation Shearith Israel--Topletz Fund, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or a charity of your choice .

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