Nicholas Barrett Toepfert, known to everyone as Nick, passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio — the city he called home his entire life.

Nick was born on September 4, 1958, and grew up in Cincinnati's Fairmount neighborhood where he was a Boy Scout and, by his own reputation, someone who had a knack for getting into just the right amount of trouble. He left high school to serve his country in the United States Navy, and it was during his service that he met the love of his life. While on leave in Maryland in 1977 he met Nancy Martin, and the two were married in June of 1979. After his honorable discharge, he and Nancy returned to Cincinnati and shortly after that he began what would become a lifelong career with the Cincinnati Fire Department, retiring as a driver from Station 24 after decades of dedicated service.

Nick was a man who didn't need the spotlight. What he needed was a problem to solve, a friend who needed a hand, or a campfire with a guitar in his lap. He could fix anything, and more importantly, he would — dropping whatever he was doing the moment someone needed him. That quiet, steady generosity was simply who he was.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Martin) Toepfert; his daughter, Brandy (Matthew) Chap; his son, Andrew; his grandchildren, Katarina Chap and Keegan Chap; his great-granddaughter, Aleia; his sisters, April Gibson and Lori West; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia "Ginny" (Singleton) Toepfert; his father, Nicholas "Louie" Toepfert; and his sister, Sheri Ritter.

The family will welcome friends for a memorial visitation on March 24, 2026 from 4-6 PM at Paul R. Young Funeral Home 7345 Hamilton Ave Cincinnati, Ohio 45231. Memorial service to immediately follow at 6 PM.