Brecksville, Ohio
Feb 22, 1919 – Oct 11, 2022 (Age 103)
William M. Toneff, much-loved high school teacher, enthusiastic birdwatcher and golfer par excellence died on October 11, 2022, at Laurel Lake Retirement Community in Hudson, Ohio. He was 103 years and eight months of age. Bill was born on February 22, 1919, in Granite City, Illinois and grew up...
Read MoreMr. Toneff was a great guy and an awesome teacher. His name appears more than once as the answer to my online security questions. I was happy to learn more about his incredibly full life in this very well-written obituary.
Cheryl Smith Kuenzel GHHS 1971
November 20, 2022 | School
The class of GHHS 1963 sends condolences to a very much loved teacher.
Louise Fiszer
November 14, 2022 | School
I learned more from Mr Toneff in the 1 year he was my teacher than from any number of other teachers in my life. He was joyful and engaging. His smile, enthusiasm, and great spirit helped me through one of the more difficult years of my life. RIP Mr. Toneff. You certainly earned it.
Sheila Cawley
November 13, 2022 | School
My late parents, Eleanor and Joe Bongorno, were very good friends of Ann and Bill Toneff, having met while my father was a teacher and later an administrator at Garfield Heights. I recall what a lovely couple Ann and Bill were. And my husband and I remember fondly a thoughtful dinner out with both my parents and the Toneffs on the occasion of our engagement in 1969.
Rita Bongorno Todd
November 12, 2022 | Friend
It was such a joy being in Bill Toneff's English class as a student and then being the secretary of his class the following year. I was also student of Ann Toneff's in elementary school. We kept in contact and maintained a friendship over the years. Although I will miss them both, so happy that Bill and Ann are together again.
Toni Potocnik Susel
November 12, 2022 | School
I have fond memories of Mr. Toneff as my 11th grade English teacher. I remember dissecting "Red Badge of Courage" that year. Enjoyed it so much I made my kids read it.
Jane Koteles Hedrick
November 11, 2022 | School
Thank you for your VERY brave service to our country ! God bless you
veteran
November 11, 2022
Mr Toneff did his best to teach me English at Garfield Heights Senior High School in 1981. Even as a teen I recognized the quality of this man as a teacher and a person. Had I stayed in Ohio I would definitely have dropped in on him. Reading about his long and storied life made my day. Bless you Mr Toneff.
Mark Rezac
November 10, 2022 | School
Bill was a good friend and golf buddy of my Dad, Hugh. They both taught at Garfield Hts. High School. I know my Dad thought very highly of him and valued their friendship and time together. I remember him as a very nice person and great teacher. So sorry for your loss.
Catherine Brock Merriman
Catherine Brock Merriman
November 10, 2022 | Student
