Bob Toneff Obituary

Bob Toneff NFL football great and All American out of Notre Dame, is now with a higher Super Team. Bob passed away peacefully, March 15, 2015, in San Anselmo, California. He is survived by his wife Medora-Vaux, his daughters, Terez Toneff, Lesa Toneff and grandchildren Shana Davis, Nico Toneff, his brother George Toneff and extended family. He was preceded in death by his daughter Alene Toneff. Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan, June 23, 1930, to Tony and Mary Toneff. He lived to be one of the oldest living NFL players. Bob played in the NFL as an offensive and defensive tackle, seven years with the San Francisco 49ers and seven years with the Washington Redskins. He was the 49ers' 2nd round draft choice in 1952 out of Notre Dame. He became a standout in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl four times. During the era Bob played football, all players had to have off-season jobs and made more money off-season. As Notre Dame, All American, Bob was acclaimed the fastest lineman in Irish history. This competitive, but gentle athlete was a man's man and a woman's protector. He continuously gave his love, strength, and devotion to his wife; daughters and grandchildren. As a fierce competitor, Bob instilled in his family the belief that you keep your eye on the ball and never give up. Bob was bigger than life and gave life to his family and friends. He always played the game to win. He is our hero. Memorial service TBA. In lieu of flowers please make donation to our Go Fund Me account: www. gofundme.com/toneff

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Published by Marin Independent Journal on Apr. 26, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Bob Toneff

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11 Entries

Don Lutz

April 22, 2021

If you Google Barberton OH Magics Football, you will find a poll of the top 100 players in the school's storied history. Bob has been voted #1. This is remarkable since he was a lineman (a grunt), a position in the game that is normally overlooked.
I grew up hearing about Bob my whole life. My wonderful Aunt Angie Jursik was his high school sweetheart. I had his ND sweater with 52 on it. This was his graduation year. I never wore it. It was a treasured possession of mine. Around ten years ago, Bob wanted his sweater back. I gave it to my aunt, and she returned it. Angie was the first homecoming queen at Barberton in 1947, our only state championship. My aunt possessed a football with all the names of the players which she donated to the school in 2018. It should be in the trophy case now. Angie passed in 2018 from leukemia.
I did not know your loved one personally, but he and my aunt babysat me. I believe she said I had an accident on his lap. I was young (born 1943) and don't remember.
I played for the Magics in 1958-1960 as center and middle guard with John Mackovic. We were center-QB from 6th thru 12th grade. Proud I am of being associated with Bob and being a fellow Magic. In 2011, a classmate, Mike Fisher, sent me a picture of Bob and him on a golf course in San Fran. Bob was a starter.
You should all be very proud of your husband, father, and grandfather. Bob was almost my uncle!

Tom Reed

August 6, 2015

Hello Toneff Family,
I just heard of you loss and my heart goes out to your entire family.We enjoyed having you as neighbors back in the 70's.
I lost my Dad years ago on the same date
"Ides of March" and I hope they are exchanging great sports stories in Heaven.
God Bless, Tom Reed

Peg Young

June 11, 2015

Rest In Peace, Bob. You were always bigger than life to me. I look forward to seeing you on the Other side.

June 9, 2015

Dear Toneff family,

Your loved one was almost one of mine. My beloved Aunt Angie Jursik and Bob were sweethearts in high school in Barberton,Ohio. I believe he and my aunt spent some time babysitting me when I was a little tyke. For years, I had his Notre Dame sweater which I cherished. Around 12-15 years ago, Bob requested the return of his sweater which I returned to Angie and she to him. Four years ago, a classmate of mine, Mike Fisher, sent me a picture of him and Bob at the golf course Bob worked at. I was very sorry to hear of his passing. I never met Bob except as an infant/toddler but always knew he was a great person from stories passed to me. He was a Barberton Great, a Magic Man.

Don Lutz
Clinton Twp./Detroit Michigan

cindy coffey

June 4, 2015

Dear terez so sorry about your dad. Football needs more men like him and so does life !

Tom Odetto

May 6, 2015

Dear Mrs. Toneff and Family

I was very sorry to hear about Mr. Toneff's passing. He was my Pop Warner Coach back in 1966. My Dad always told me what a class man he was. I am very sorry for your loss. Tom Odetto

May 3, 2015

Dear Toneff Faily,

I am truly sorry for your loss.
I had the honor knowing Bob through the time we spent working together at Peacock Gap golf course.
He spent many a Saturday talking and sharing stories not only about football but about life. What a wonderful man.
I am proud to consider him a friend.
May God bless him and your entire Family.
I will miss him dearly.

Jeff Vinum
Tiburon,ca

April 29, 2015

Dear family,
Bob was a jewel of a person. He was very considerate of people around him.
I met Bob when we played together in the 1957 Hula Bowl game in Hawaii. I was a Marine Corps. Pilot that played football for the Marines as an All Star player. And I bought a new Cadilac from Bob.
Our condolences from our family to yours in the loss of a very nice person.
We would like very much to attend any memorial service for Bob.
Sincerely, Joe and Maryann Perry

Bobbie Miller

April 28, 2015

Dear Toneff family,

My heart goes out to you all. What a nice man.

Tom Brennan

April 28, 2015

I just heard of Bob's passing. Bob treated everyone with great respect, and I was in awe of his humility. I will let Notre Dame know that they have lost a great son of Notre Dame. RIP, Bob.

-Tom Brennan

Rosalie Childress

April 26, 2015

To Toneff Family
I am sorry for the loss of your father and you will all be in my prayers.

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