Robert Christopher “Topher” Stearns, 58, of Norwich, died on Monday, September 15, 2025 at UHS Wilson Medical Center after a brief illness. Born on September 15, 1967, in Brooklyn, NY, Topher was the son of Gilbert H. Stearns and Suzanne C. Smith.
He attended school and grew up in Killingworth, CT, before returning to his mother’s hometown of Norwich. In Norwich, he took courses at DCMO BOCES and graduated from Norwich High School. For many years, Topher helped in his family’s business, Arrow Laundry and Dry Cleaning.
He was an excellent guitar player and enjoyed playing for friends. During his life, he took two trips across the country and spent some of his adult life in South Carolina. Topher enjoyed his e-bikes and enjoyed tinkering with them. He will be remembered for his easy going personality and will be missed by all those he talked with including his many friends.
He is survived by his twin brother, Charles Randall “Randy” Stearns, of Norwich; uncle, Pete Smith; nieces, Alexis Workman, Kyrsten Miller, and Mya Stearns; nephew, Nicholas Stearns; great-nieces, Jane Workman, Kennedy Miller, and Nora Miller; and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.
A celebration of life will occur at a future date. Funeral arrangements are entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit: www.wilsonfh.com.