Wilmar Noah Tognazzini, a resident of Morro Bay for over 70 years, passed away Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. He was born 95 years ago in Guadalupe, Calif., to Swiss parents, Olimpia and Abramo Tognazzini. "Tog" was an educator, historian, columnist, musician, composer, poet, business owner, Hearst Castle guide and supervisor, senior advocate and entertainer. He graduated from San Jose State University and received a master's degree from UCLA. "Tog" is survived by his wife of 73 years, Henrietta Tognazzini; eight children, Jane Tognazzini, Alan Tognazzini, Susan Souza, Noel Tognazzini, Mark Tognazzini, Mary Fiala, Todd Tognazzini and Anne Collins; 18 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in his death by two sons, Dale and Henry. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way in Morro Bay, followed by a reception at the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity which you believe would honor your memory of him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I remember Tog for his kindness and lovely hugs whenever I saw him. My mother loved to talk to him, both on the phone and when we would see him at the restaurant. He truly loved people, and to make people happy, and isn't that the main thing?
Shane Mize VerPlanck
Friend
October 17, 2023
My late mother Myra Mize was a good friend of Togg, as she always called him. They delighted in talking to one another over the years and I miss both of them so very much.
Shane Mize VerPlanck
School
October 17, 2022
Uncle Wilmar was a very sweet man. He always enjoyed my Christmas letters and told me he looked forward to reading them each year. What an encourager he was!
Nockie Taylor
November 17, 2013
Oh, my heart is heavy about the loss of such an amazing and kind man. One of my favorite childhood memories were the mornings Tog would come to our house early to carpool with my mom and he chased me around our driveway circle with his car! I loved every minute of it and I suspect he came a few minutes early so we could play our game. He was a gentle man who will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to the Tognazzini family.
Margie Wysocki
October 30, 2013
What an amazing man. What an amazing life. He was gentle, intelligent, always interesting and will be greatly missed. My thoughts, prayers and sympathies to the vast family, countless friends and acquaintances. Rest easily, Mr. Tog, you were unique!
Rich Gove
October 29, 2013
Grateful for this amazing man. He was my grandfather, Herbert Noah Tognazzini's cousin. After returning from an LDS mission I interpreted at Santa Maria High School where Wilmar would periodically teach. What a ray of sunshine he was. His genealogical work was unparalleled and a great treasure to our family. Future generations of Tognazzinis have a chance to know our ancestors thanks to his great work. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Ken Plummer
October 28, 2013
From my first rolled up pancakes some 44 years ago, to you both sitting in the front row at my wedding with my father, until the most recent time we've seen one another, you and your wife have always had a smile and a hug for me. I am sorry I missed your service yesterday, being aboard ship n Alaska, yet I have no doubt that your spirit is right here over my shoulder making sure I write this correctly!! May I offer my Prayers, Love, and Condolences to your entire family. You will live on in my heart, and memory, forever. Rest in Peace.
Fred Tomilson
October 27, 2013
Dear Family,
My heart goes out to all of you. Tog was and will always be a very special man in my life...
Love,
Kelly McGrath
October 26, 2013
Wilmar will be greatly missed. He was my grandmother's (Ena Tognazzini Vreeland) favorite cousin. Grandma's father & Wilmar's father were brothers. Wilmar was one of the kindest and most gentle man I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Our earthly loss is certainly Heaven's gain. God bless you and your family, Wilmar.
Debby Fields
October 26, 2013
It was always so delightful to see you at the Dockside. I will miss you.
Debi Schmitt
October 25, 2013
Tog lived life fully and kindly and without reservation. We shall miss him terribly but remember him ever so fondly.
Shane (Mize) VerPlanck
October 25, 2013
My sympathies go out to the Tognazzini family. I remember him as our delightful and compassionate Principal at Morro Bay Elementary School. He had a wonderful sense of humor. We all loved him so! He was such a lovely person and he helped many students during his time as Principal. All my condolences to his family at this time.
Michele Stoutenborough
October 25, 2013
Henrietta, you and family are in my prayers.
Frances Caroni
October 25, 2013
Tog touched our hearts and our funny bone. We will never forget his compassionate outreach to my husband (who he'd never met)--phoning with friendship and offering to be a companion during his dreadful illness. Please accept our sympathy in your loss. This is also from my dad in Corcoran, Bill Kemble.
Midge LeNoue
October 25, 2013
As our Princial at Morro Bay Elementary Mr. Tognazzini was always a kind and joyful spirit. It is no surprise that he would have such a delightful family. We will never forget his smiling face and loving heart!
Robin Mize
October 24, 2013
What a wonderful man! I loved my visits to Morro Bay to visit the Tognazzini's... I knew there would be lots of laughs and never a dull moment. Wilmar will always have a special place in my heart! Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Tanya Dragoo
October 24, 2013
An amazing independent historian! I remember well his working on a discovery during our years at Hearst Monument. As the Textile Preservationist he came to get specific information about the fiber content, twist of thread, very unusual information for a historian. Only later to announce his discovery of a lost tapestry to spain. Now hanging in Hearsts dining room musicians balcony! What a discovery! RIP my friend. What a wonderfully blessed life!
October 24, 2013
Tog, we will miss your smiling face. May God Bless Hennrietta and all the Tognazzi Families. God Bless Eva M. Gaddis Morro Bay
October 24, 2013
Tog was a great man. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. God Bless you all.
Kathy Jorgens
October 23, 2013
Bon Voyage Wilmar...we shall miss you at our table at "Dockside". We always looked foward to sharing it with you!
Peter and Beverly King
October 23, 2013
I miss you, Uncle Wilmar! Now everyone in heaven can enjoy the music and humor we've been blessed with all these years. Root beer floats will never be the same and Hearst Castle will always be "our" place, even if we never visited together. You will be well remembered and celebrated!
Kara Lilledahl (Brown)
October 23, 2013
He was one of my all-time favorite people and a great story teller. He will be missed by all of us.
Mary Leizear
October 23, 2013
You were so wonderful to all the residents at the Garden House - playing music, singing and always giving my Mom (Jane Orr) a hug. You were so kind to us when she passed. and I really enjoyed getting to know you wonderful daughter, Anne Carolyn. May God blessings rest with your family and your loving Henrietta. Rest in God's abiding love.
Carolyn Anne Goossens
October 23, 2013
I miss you, Tog. Thank you so much for welcoming me to your wonderful family. You were an educator to the end and, every time I was with you, you made me think, you made me laugh, and you made me happy that you blessed my marriage to your wonderful youngest daughter, my (and your) Anne.
Lee Collins
October 23, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember him as my elementary school principal in the 1950's. Jesus said, "So with you, now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice and no one will take away your joy" John 16:22
Sharon Kline Schmiedeberg
October 23, 2013
Oh my goodness. How sad to lose such a friend. So many memories come flooding back about a life truly well lived. He touched everyone in unique ways with his numerous talents. We never heard a bad word said about anyone in the 65 years we knew him. Extraordinary man!!
Our prayers and sympathy extend to all the family. Love, Virginia and Paul Wright.
October 23, 2013
My memories of Tog go way back to when he was my elementary school principal. The 1950's and 60's were full of good times in a small town. He touched the lives of many and we will all miss his presence. I hope you, his family, will be surrounded by the warmth of loving memories of family times together.
Jean Limon Herrold
October 23, 2013
I remember Mr. Tognazzini playing the piano at the nursing home in Morro Bay. It was wonderful to see the residents respond. He gave them such pleasure.
Shirley Bird
October 23, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
MARGE & ROD RAUDSTEIN
October 23, 2013
My deepest sympathy to his wife and lovely family... Always a great report from you Tog... RIP my friend, thank you so very much for all the terrific historical information and reports you sent my way, to aid me in my genealogical research...
Paul S. Rodriguez
October 23, 2013
Wilmar will be forever remembered in the San Luis Obispo County history he served and loved. Rest in Peace.
Bill and Marsha Cattaneo
October 23, 2013
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