Jack Arnold Topchik

Jack Topchik, 80, of Frederick, MD, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on April 15, 2026.

Jack was born on October 10, 1945 in New York to Lillian and Joseph Topchik. He grew up in Passaic, NJ, where he worked as a paperboy—an experience that sparked his lifelong passion for journalism.

After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Tennessee, he began a 40-year career with The New York Times. As an editor, he covered news from around the world. “I loved every day I walked into the Times,” he often said. In addition to his work, Jack taught summer writing seminars for high school students at the University of Missouri, the University of Mississippi, and Kansas State University. He was passionate about mentoring young writers and continued to help many students with their college application essays.

Jack and Carol, his wife of 58 years, lived in New York City, East Windsor, NJ, and Katonah, NY. An enthusiastic world traveler, Jack always had his next adventure in the planning stages.

In 2009, they retired to Frederick, MD, where Jack became an active member of the Carroll Creek Rotary Club, the Frederick Coffee Club, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick, and the Maryland Ensemble Theatre Board. He also wrote a biweekly column for the Frederick News-Post reflecting his political interests. An avid baseball fan, he especially enjoyed cheering for the Frederick Keys.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his son Michael Topchik and daughter-in-law Kristen of Bailey Island, ME; his son Jeffrey Topchik and daughter-in-law Lisa of Silver Spring, MD; and his granddaughters Lauren and Amy of Scarborough, ME, and Sara, Abby, and Katie of Silver Spring, MD. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Nancy Gosney of Palo Alto, CA, and Robert and Barbara Gosney of Silver City, NM.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Frederick Health Hospice or the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek.