Joseph W. TOTO

1934 - 2015

TOTO, Joseph W.
Joseph W. Toto, 80, of Jupiter, FL passed away on January 4, 2015. Joe was a remarkable man who devoted his life to service and family. He touched the lives of so many and we are truly grateful to forever have him in our hearts. Joe was born on December, 3, 1934 in NYC, NY to the late Joseph Toto and Grace Pagani. He met his future wife, Patricia, when they were teenagers and they happily spent the past 65 years together. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in NY and at the age of 18, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged after the Korean War ended. He then became a NYC Firefighter, which he always said was "the best job in the world". He was instrumental in developing the curriculum for the NYFD Emergency Medical Technician Program and served as the EMT Center Administrator and Senior Instructor. In 1986, he was personally recognized by the FDNY from amongst 12,000 members and was cited by the Board of Merit for a Service Rating "A" Award. In 1987, he was awarded the Fire Chiefs Association Memorial Medal for his heroic actions in the line of duty. After 32 blessed years, he retired with the rank of Lieutenant in Ladder Company 16. In his time off from the FDNY, Joe owned and operated a successful delicatessen in his hometown of Hicksville, NY called "Joe's Deli". He also earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Nursing from Hunter College in NYC and began a second career as a certified emergency nurse and educator. He worked in the emergency rooms of several hospitals in the NYC area for 20 years. He spent 15 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He proudly served his country as Assistant Officer in Charge of the Emergency Department at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Joe was also a dedicated and inspirational teacher who shaped the lives and futures of many nursing students. For 9 years, he was a clinical instructor and lecturer of nursing at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, NY. In 1990, he moved to Jupiter, FL, where he worked in the emergency department of Martin Memorial Hospital in Stuart, FL for 10 years. He had the opportunity to travel to several beautiful places as a cruise ship nurse for Holland America Lines. For the past 10 years, he has been an instructor with the Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations in West Palm Beach, FL. Joe loved teaching anatomy and physiology and felt his students love in return, year after year. Joe was also a big history and military buff and enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. He served for several years as board Vice President of his Oceancrest community. He was opinionated and assertive, but there wasn't anyone you wanted in your corner more than Joe. He had a generous heart, kind spirit and was a true gentleman. Above all, he valued his family and he was our hero. He is survived by the love of his life, Pat, his beloved daughter, Terry Toto, and his talented grandson, Michael Amato. He was predeceased by his cherished daughter, Kim Amato, and his brother, John. Joe enriched the lives of everyone he met and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. A private memorial will be held at a later date. Those who wish to honor him may send a donation in his name to Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.
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