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Stuart Tolle Obituary
Stuart A. Tolle, age 47, of Akron, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 31, 2009 at his home.
He was born February 7, 1962 in Columbus, Ohio, to Dr. Robert C. and Alma P. (Robertson) Tolle. A 1980 graduate of Alliance High School, he went on to Bowling Green State University. He began his teaching career at Coventry and was currently teaching at Copley-Fairlawn High School in Akron and coached football, track and wrestling. Stuart played football at Alliance High School, Bowling Green State University, with the Cleveland Browns, the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Wranglers.
Stuart was a member of St. Sebastian's Catholic Church in Akron. He was a National Football League Alumni, Bowling Green Alumni, liked to fly-fish, hunt, and camp. Another of his favorite hobbies was an island he owned in Canada.
Survivors include his Mom, Alma P. Tolle of Alliance; his Dad, Dr. Robert C. (Susan) Tolle of Statesville, North Carolina; two brothers, Geoffrey Tolle (Tati Buso) of Columbus and Adam Tolle of Buford, Georgia; a sister, Claudia (Eric) McGaffick of Salem; six nieces and nephews, Yeshua, Nicole, Avery, and Merry Tolle, and Molly and Morgan McGaffick; his fiancé, Annie Hutchinson and her children, Nathan and Samantha of Wadsworth; one aunt, Margaret Beran of Alliance; one uncle, Jon Tolle of Columbus; and several cousins. He also leaves behind, his beloved dogs, Claire and Lottie. He was preceded in death by his aunt, Romona Zurrer. He will be missed dearly and is loved by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2009, with the Rev Barbara Bond officiating, at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Memorial Contributions may be made in Stuart Tolle's name to Copley-Fairlawn School Foundation 3797 Ridgewood Rd., Copley, Ohio 44321 or to Alliance High School Foundation, c/o Sara Brown, 200 Glamorgan St. Alliance, Ohio 44601. Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Avenue, Alliance, Ohio. Friends may register online at www.ctcfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stuart Tolle
Stephen Hanhold
June 1, 2010
Tolle, one year ago you passed. You turned all of us young boys into grown men. Even us band kinds. I know you're rollin' along in Heaven Coach.
R.I.P.
May 30, 2010
tomorrow is one year tolle. i was re-reading the news articles and couldnt help but cry. next week is my graduation and although you wont be there i know you will be watching over the 2010 senior clas graduation. you are missed every by so many people. the science wing isnt the same without your loud voice and big smile that you always had. never would i have thought that i would cry over a teachers death but you arent a teacher you connected with students in a diffferent way then any other teachers did...you made it clear that you wanted the best out of students but you always did it in a happy loving way. going to be happy all day tomorrow not sad because i know thats not what you want is for people to cry.."youre either tough or youre not" ill be wearing that shirt tomorrow. love you tolle. r.i.p
Michael Mesaros
November 4, 2009
I am shocked to hear this sad news. I was just looking up on Facebook old friends from BGSU; where I first met Stu as freshman. As a fellow BGSU athlete, we had many common friends around campus. I always called him "Gentle Ben" but I would not want to be against him on the football field! We used to see who could go through more food coupon books during a semester. He usually won! He will be missed by all that knew him and it was an honor to be a part of his life.
God Bless you Stuart.
Michael Mesaros
BGSU '86
San Diego, CA
annonymous
September 11, 2009
wow. sometimes when im in the science wing this year for a diff. class it still hits me and brings tears to my eyes. Such a happy, bright soul is no longer with us. Although i will never forget all that he has said because i know now that he would be embarrassed to have all of this attention. i know whenver i'd have a problem, he'd shot me that lazy half-smile and say "sweetheart, lifes not perfect" in that soothing tone only a 250 pound football coach can have. I love you mr. Tolle. forever in my heart :)
Nina Hanhold
August 31, 2009
Bowling Green State University plays their first home football game this Thursday, September 3rd. I am sure you will be there in spirit as you most likely were for our first home football game last week against Jackson. Those of you who went to dinner on Wednesday nights with Coach know that Olive Gardens unlimited pasta bowl is back. Go out to dinner and celebrate Coach life and eat 3 or 4 bowls and think of him.
God speed coach!
hugs,
The Hanhold's
Emily Byham
August 30, 2009
"HEY COACH TOLLE" I don't believe that your not here to laugh at me when I tell you that I made it into broadcasting school but I know your so proud of me. I was your stats girl i will never forget what you have done for me. I think about you every day. love you coach
Michele Thomas
June 28, 2009
I had Mr. Tolle has a science teacher my freshman year at Copley High School and he never gave up on me i was a rebulious child but he never gave up on me. I managed to get through his class and i am thankful that he never gave up on me becuase i probably wouldn't be graduationg high school next june.
jennifer Graham
June 26, 2009
Mr. Tolle was a great person and teacher! My preyers go out to the family. He would always put a smile on everyones face. So sad to see him leave us so young!
Cheryl
June 12, 2009
Stu Tolle was a football player while I attended BGSU. He dated a sorority sister of mine and we referred to him as 'BIG STU!' He had a gentle spirit, but was tough as nails on the football field...he had a smile that would always light up a room! Sadly, I didn't connect with him at the Hall of Fame Weekend last Fall, but he was a shining star here at BGSU. Heaven's a better place with Stu there...the world could use more guys like Stu Tolle in it. God Bless you Stu!
Kevin, Tammy & Travis Price
June 11, 2009
We would like to express our deepest sympathies to all of Mr. Tolle's family. Although we never met him, we only know his dad, all of these messages reflect how much he is loved and admired. Our prayer are with the family.
AJ Meyer (#66), Coach Tolle and Joseph Matesevac(#86)
June 8, 2009
Coach Tolle's legacy can be seen in the men who were once boys on the "D" line of the Copley High School football team. While maintaining his individuality, Coach approached each person who crossed his path with respect, enthusiasm, and "fire". Coach will live in our family's hearts forever. We are blessed to have known him.
The Meyer Family
Bob, Melinda and AJ(#66)
Joe III, Stacey, Joe Jr., Darla Nemith
June 8, 2009
To the Tolle family...Stu was an outstanding person, coach, and mentor to young people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
charlese, David & Shane smith
June 7, 2009
Coach Tolle you have truely been a blessing while you were here on this earth ! And you will be truely missed!! Please know to the Tolle Family you have our deepeast sorrow!! and Coach Tolle will will always be in our hearts and memories! God bless
lunch ladies
June 6, 2009
Our thiughts and prayers go out to the Tolle family, Annie and children, and Clar and Lottie. We will miss seeing the coach in the kitchen he always brought us a smile. and he always forgot the cookies,
Deanne & Richard Spry
June 6, 2009
Everyone at Jack's Lake, Ontario, Canada will greatly miss our friend Stewart! Summers definitely won't be the same without stopping at the island for a visit with him and Claire Bear and having him as a guest at our BBQ'S. He will be greatly missed!
Mike Jones
June 6, 2009
Coach Tolle was a great person. He would write his players letters before football games, not just the starters but all of his posistion guys...and he would stuff them in our lockers on fridays during school. I remember reading them and becoming so inspired and motivated by them, I still have them...He was a great teacher, not just in the classroom either... you're truly missed Stuey
The Perrians
June 5, 2009
Coach Tolle pleaz say hi to 'Hollywood' for us! We all lost a great friend (coach, teacher, etc.)but one day we pray to see you again. Coach your job here on earth is complete & it was done well!!!
To Annie & the Tolle family: We hope that during the vigil, you had an opportunity to see how important Coach was to the Copley community & we hope this brings you joy as go through this difficult time. Our love and prayers our with you all.
From Coach Perrian, Mrs. Perrian, Latrisha & Dom Perrian
June 5, 2009
I would like to share a story about Mr. Tolle with his family .I was driving the school bus back from a track field trip. Mr. Tolle sat behind me and told me how much he loved his Mother and sister. He told me that he loved spending time with them and eatting together. He told me they were the kind of people you would like to spend time with.Then Mr. Tolle changed the subject and started to talk about Clair. He said he went out and got Lottie so Clair wouldn't be lonley when he wasn't at home. I know by the big smile on his face you could see the love he had for his Mother and sister and the dogs. I am honared to have known Mr. Tolle. Cindy Alloway Bus 11
Julie Lowther
June 5, 2009
My prayers go out to family and friends! Mr. Tolle was truly a great person. You'll be missed by all!
Don Robinson
June 5, 2009
Stuart was a great friend to my brother Ed. After I moved away from the Akron area, when Ed was experiencing some tough times, it was Coach Tolle who took him in. To me, he was an opposing coach and fellow educator who I respected and admired, as well as a fellow BGSU alumni. To all of us, he was one of God's angels placed here to help others. He performed so well at it, he got an early call. Praise God for people like Stuart Tolle!
Jennifer Constante (Christman)
June 5, 2009
Mr. Tolle was one of those rare people who just had the ability to make you feel like you could do anything...anything. He always told me how he majored in everything in college except the garbage man. Then he flashed me his big goofy grin and said "and see how well I turned out." I am so grateful for having him in my life. God has taken one of the greats. He must have a great plan for you coach because we all love you and miss you tremendously. My sympathy to Annie and all of Mr. Tolle's family. Although he is gone from our presence...his legacy lives on forever in our hearts.
Denver Carte
June 4, 2009
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all of Mr. Tolle's family and friends. I knew him only as my 9th grade science teacher, but know he was so much more to many.
John Kish
June 4, 2009
It was my pleasure to call Stu a friend. I never saw him without a huge smile on his face. He will truely be missed. My families prayers are with your family.
Brent Reese
June 4, 2009
Definetly the best/teacher I have ever had. I am thankful for knowing you. From making pets from poisonous spiders... to putting me in my place when I would get off track... nothing but the best memories and the "most exciting" Science classes ever. My prayers to your family and friends.
steve crouch
June 4, 2009
DR TOLLE, SOOO SORRY TO HERE ABOUT YOUR SON NO FATHER OR MOTHER SHOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS ,MY HEART HURTS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF SORROW. I DID NOT KNOW YOUR SON BUT IF HE WAS ANYTHING LIKE HIS FATHER I KNOW HE WAS A GREAT MAN,I WILL PRAY THAT GOD WILL LAY HIS HEALING HAND ON YOUR FAMILY.I ASKED A PREACHER ONE TIME WHY GOD TOOK THE YOUNG, HE SAID WOULDNT HEAVEN BE A BORING PLACE IF THEIR WAS JUST A BUNCH OF OLD PEOPLE. NOTHING I CAN SAY WILL HELP BUT I WILL HAVE YOU AND SUSAN IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS.
Michael Tolle
June 4, 2009
Stuart,
You are family that is already dearly missed. I hope you can guide all us who are missing you most right now to a better understanding before we meet up again. You remind me of the preciousness of this life and the moments we have with family & friends. Rest easy Big Cousin, we love you.
Michael Tolle
June 4, 2009
Stuey - We're having your pig roast and golf outing today, and a bonfire tonight. I know you'll be with us, but I'll need you to hold my hand. BTW, I tried to tell them - it's C-L-A-R-E. Love Always, -Consy.
Danielle Nemith
June 4, 2009
My Prayers are with your Family. You were a great man, coach and teacher.
Amanda Jones
June 4, 2009
I was blessed to see Stuart having dinner a couple weeks ago in Akron and I got two big hugs from him. I'm so glad to have had one last hug from him. My love and compassion are with the family. You are all in my prayers. We will all miss him. He is an irreplaceable man! Much Love to all of you who have sufferd such a great loss..
Marissa Underwood (Terry)
June 4, 2009
I had Mr. Tolle as a teacher and a coach. He was so passionate about life. I learned a lot from him and he always had advice for any of his students. He will truly be missed by all that knew him. He has made an impact on all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Michelle & Stacy Spellman
June 3, 2009
To the family of Mr.Tolle, my sister and I were former sudents with the class of 98. He was a great person and we are greatful for having the pleasure of knowing him. Our prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you all.
Cathy Sarver (Marler)
June 3, 2009
Mr. Tolle will truly be missed by all who's lives he touched. He was one of my favorite teachers at coventry. I also got the privlege to help take care of his dog claire at the vet clinic i worked at. He loved her sooo much. My prayers are with the family.
Meka Moore
June 3, 2009
Mr. Tolle,
He was the most humble person you could meet! No words can express what type of person Mr. Tolle was; i am honored i had the chance to meet and form a bond with this wonderful teacher, son, coach, and fiance.
Erik Gerstenslager
June 3, 2009
Mr Tolle will be missed by many people he was such a great guy.
I remember walking into homeroom and telling him about a dead beaver on the side of the road he didnt even think about it and said lets go get it! He had a donation jar passed around the school and had the beaver stuffed. The man was amazing to say the least.
Tom,Sharon,Mike,Todd,Jack & Rylie McCurry
June 3, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time
Ann Boyd (York)
June 3, 2009
Mr Tolle will be missed by all. He was a wonderful teacher and always so much fun in class. I have so many wonderful memories of him and Claire at Copley High School. Claire and everyone will miss him so much! My thoughts and prayers are with the family! RIP
The Daher Family
June 3, 2009
Our deepest sympathy and blessings to all of Mr. Tolle's family, friends and students. What a wonderful teacher, role model, mentor and friend to many. Heaven has a new angel.
Our thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort.
Kathy Kuceyeski
June 3, 2009
To Annie and the Tolle Family: we are thinking of you in your time of grief. Let God hold you in the palm of his hand!
June 3, 2009
Mr tolle was a great teacher, not only that he was funny and a great friend. we love and u miss you mr Tolle
Brittney Howard
June 3, 2009
My husband and I have great memories of Mr. Tolle from Coventry High School! He will be missed!
Alex and Rachel Shreiner
Matt Murphy
June 3, 2009
Great teacher, great person. Enjoyed all the time I spent in his classes at Coventry.
The Day Family
June 3, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Cory & Jen Fessler
June 3, 2009
My husband and I both had Mr. Tolle as a teacher at Coventry High School. He was a great teacher. I now work at a veterinarian office which he brought Claire to and I was so happy to see him. Man, he loved her!! Mr. Tolle will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family!!
Mary Zbasnik
June 3, 2009
I didn't know Coach Tolle well, but he always said Hi with a big smile and made my son feel good about being in his class and on the CHS track team. We're praying for him and his family.
God bless.
Kelly Kennedy
June 3, 2009
Our hearts goes out to the family. A great guy that will be truly missed.
The Alloway Family
Jack, Cindy & Kelly
Rick Church
June 3, 2009
Coach Tolle,
Its been 12 years since I played football for you. You were by far the most passionate coach I have ever played for. You were more than a coach/teacher you were a friend and mentor to all. Your energy will last forever with those you have touched throughout your life. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of your family and friends. Your legacy will live on forever. God bless!
Coventry Football 95, 96!!
Bob Tatgenhorst
June 3, 2009
My Deepest Sympathy to the "Stuart Toole Family" and all who knew and loved him.
Chris Schleich
June 3, 2009
I always loved seeing Stuarts happy smiling face. Truly a class guy that was always so nice to everyone. I feel blessed that I got to hang out with him this winter at Dano's and share a few laughs. I also loved seeing all of the Copley students and players he touched during his life, even the many people I know from Coventry say the same things. I wish the world had more people like Stu.
Karen Rupert
June 3, 2009
Stuart was truly a special teacher and coach He will be remembered in the hearts of many, many students and friends. Claire will be very lonely.
Kara Stearns (Jones)
June 3, 2009
Mr. Tolle was one of the teachers in my life that truly made a difference. He will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to all that knew him.
Heather and Jason Hart
June 3, 2009
Our deepest sympathy.
Ed Robinson
June 3, 2009
I saw Stuart last Thursday in front of Annie's and I stopped and as soon as I got out of my car, I was engulfed by that giant bear hug...I thank the Lord he gave me a couple minutes with my friend....I know he was as happy as ever and "head over heals" in love with Annie...all of my daughters loved when Stu and the girls came by the house...My youngest daughter's first question Monday was who would take care of the dogs....God has a proud warrior in the ranks of Angels now...Ohh..Yeah!
Mark Pape
June 3, 2009
Stu Tolle will be missed by all who knew him. A truly wonderful guy!
Jackie Zanona Fitzpatrick
June 3, 2009
Stu was one of a kind. He was a true friend, always willing to help anyone out. I will always remember his smile and his infectious laugh.
Let his early passing remind us all that life is precious and to live each moment to its fullest. My heart goes out to Stu's family and his long list of friends.
Until we meet again, thanks for the memories, my friend.
June 3, 2009
Our deepest sympathies,he was one of the teachers that made a difference
Nina Hanhold
June 2, 2009
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of "Coach" Stuart Tolle. He was a lovable guy and had a bond with his defense linemen. Every Wednesday they had their weekly dinner at a local restaurant. His favorite time was Olive Garden's unlimited 'pasta bowl'. He loved working with kids whether you were in his science class or in his study hall. He made everyone feel welcome at Copley High School. He would hug the life out of you in greeting. He always asked about one of 'his boys', after they graduated from CHS. In spite of his unorthodox way of teaching, he had a zest for life. He would go back to his alma mater, Bowling Green State University, and play golf, during the alumni weekend. He will be missed by many and the testimony was given tonight at the "Celebration of Life" at the high school by his boys,students, parents and colleagues. God speed Coach! You will be missed by all the Hanhold Family.
God bless his family and his many friends!
The Hanhold's
Vince, Nina
Michael & Kylee, Brian & Stephen
Lee and Diane Dull
June 2, 2009
Our heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Stuart. May God bless you during these days ahead.
Brittany Avellino
June 2, 2009
Coach,
I'm at a lost for words, I cannot believe you are gone. Although I only knew you for a short period of time, that short period of time was great. I'm gonna miss you so much coach; I cannot express how much I will miss you, You were a great teacher, friend, and mentor.
Love you Coach
Danna Leary
June 2, 2009
To the Tolle Family- Sorry for your loss Stew was such a great guy. My son Daniel had the oppurtunity to go to Stew's island with my dad and brother Chad. He had a wonderful time there. He will be missed. Your family is in my prayers.
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