Photo courtesy of Wendel and Loecher Funeral Home - Lancaster
Lancaster, New York
Apr 26, 1929 – Jul 15, 2025
TOOLEN – John F. Sr. April 26, 1929 – July 15, 2025 Beloved husband of Joan (Murphy) Toolen; loving father of John (Diane Smith) Toolen Jr., Kathy (Dan) Fialkowski, Pat (Jim) Stevens, Mary (Joe Eckel) Toolen, Eileen Cordani and Carolyn (Jeff) Yelich; dearest grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of 5; Predeceased by his siblings and their spouses James (Ruth) Toolen, Ruth ( Frank) Weber, Teresa ( Edward) Thurn and Agnita (John) Garrity; also survived by nieces and nephews. Family will receive relatives and friends at the WENDEL & LOECHER INC. FUNERAL HOME 27 Aurora St. Lancaster, NY Monday July 21 from 3-6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Assumption Church Lancaster, NY Tuesday the 22nd at 9:30 am (please assemble at church). John retired as the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction in the Lancaster School District and before that he also worked in the Buffalo Public Schools. After retirement he volunteered and worked in the National Park System. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Buffalo Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association. Share condolences at wendelandloecherinc.com
Read MoreOur condolences to the family. Buffalo Retired Teachers' Association
Buffalo Retired Teachers' Association
July 24, 2025 | School
Mr. Toolen was an admired teacher at Grover Cleveland HS. He also was the boys Guidance Counselor and I ‘worked’ in his office, during my free time. He was a wonderful, caring man. He also came to some of our Class of 1962, Reunions. My thoughts and condolences to Mrs. Toolen and family.
Nancy (Wagner) Baumann
Nancy Baumann
July 22, 2025 | Buffalo, NY | Student
The Lions of District 20N send their condolences to the family of Lion John Sr. We have lost a dedicated volunteer.
Nancy Luckman
July 19, 2025 | Acquaintance
Over the years, I often thought of Mr. Toolen. I was a student ,Grover Cleveland H.S. (1952) Economic World. I guess he was an inspiration I chose teaching Social Studies, and I taught at Gover Cleveland. I send my sympathy to his family Marguerite Collesano
Marguerite Collesano
July 19, 2025
John Toolen was a great support and source of encouragement to me as a young teacher.
Ann Brighton
July 19, 2025 | Buffalo, NY | Teacher
Dear Toolen family. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of John. He was my teacher in the 1950´s at Grover Cleveland HS. He was a standout and left an indelible impression in my mind and many other of his students! Years later when I enter the education profession, it was the memory of him as teacher that influenced my teaching methods in my classrooms! Thank YOU Mr Toolen for being the outstanding teacher and role model you were!!
Tony Gullo
July 19, 2025 | School
John F. Toolen, Sr. was a good man who made many positive changes to this world, and together with his wife Joan, brought six wonderful children into this world to continue doing so. My prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Cheryl Canfield
July 18, 2025 | Clarence, NY | Friend
Sincerest condolences to the family. Regards, Jewell and Natalie
Jewell Snedden
July 18, 2025 | Buffalo, NY | Friend
