John T. Toggas

BENSALEM John T. Toggas passed into eternal rest on Friday, October 9, surrounded by his beloved family. John was born January 25, 1932, the son of the late Olga and Thomas Toggas in York. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jane (Svarnas) Toggas, to whom he was married for more than 60 years; and his beloved daughter, Stephanie M. Leinbach and her husband, Carl, of Langhorne. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Matthew A. Toggas, Allentown, Samantha L. Toggas, Philadelphia, and Brock A. Leinbach, Langhorne, as well as several nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. George Toggas. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, John S. "Moc" Toggas. John graduated from York High School in 1951, where he lettered in football, wrestling, and track. He graduated from Gettysburg College in 1958 with his bachelor's degree. In his senior year at Gettysburg College, he was appointed Recreation Director of the Gettysburg Recreation Association. He earned his Master's Degree in Education from Western Maryland University in 1971. In 1958, John began teaching at Biglerville High School, where he taught science, health, and physical education. He was assistant football coach with John "Jack" Emmanuel, and he was head wrestling coach. Toggas also started the elementary wrestling program at Biglerville. His wrestling record at Biglerville was 38-32-2. After six years at BHS, Toggas took a job at West York High School, where he taught health and physical education for 25 years. He was also head of the Health and Physical Education Department. He was head wrestling coach from 1964 to 1983 and from 1986 to 1992. He started the West York Elementary Wrestling program. During his tenure at West York, he also coached 9th grade football. As head wrestling coach at West York, he amassed an outstanding record of 269-78-2, and had three state champions, one in 1964 and two in 1969. He was the first York County wrestling coach to reach 300 wins (Biglerville and West York combined). Coach "JT," as he was affectionately known, was honored in six Halls of Fame: The District 3 Wrestling Coaches' Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1980, the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches' Hall of Fame in 1992, the York Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1995, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1999, the South Central Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Adams County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. After his retirement, John enjoyed golfing and refinishing furniture in his workshop. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 17 at 11 a.m. at Christ Chapel on the campus of Gettysburg College, 300 N. Washington St., with Father Andrew Tsikitas of York officiating. Family and friends may pay their respects from 9 until 11 a.m. when the service will begin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West York Wrestling Booster Club, c/o Butch Ludwig, 101 Summer House Lane, York, PA 17408; Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2500 Pine Grove Road, York, PA 17403; SpiriTrust Lutheran Home and Hospice of Gettysburg, 260 W. High St., Gettysburg, PA 17325; or Caring Hospice Services, 400 Commerce Drive, Ste C, Ft. Washington, PA 19034. Online obituary and condolences available at monahanfuneralhome.com