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Zachery Cercone
October 5, 2025
I was in an accident recently. My world turned black but after the silence I saw you. I know that no matter what has between our families. Blood is not thicker than water. You welcomed me into your arms. I look forward to the day that we meet again.
Vickie (Drews-Bussey) Hanna
June 29, 2025
It's hard to believe it's been 19 years. You're never forgotten, dear Tosh; you were loved by so many.
Zachery Cercone
July 18, 2024
Looking at your picture thinking about growing up with you is so hard but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Still missing you and trying to live in your memory.
-Your Brother.
Zac
June 8, 2021
I miss you
Mark and Janet Dodosh
June 30, 2007
Dear Cathy and Randy,
Our hearts and prayers continually go out to you. We love you both dearly. You are very special to us.
Vickie Drews
June 30, 2007
It's been a year and he's never far from our thoughts. Vickie
Sean & Julia Marzano
July 22, 2006
Rick, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time.
Fred "Dutch" Dagenhard
July 20, 2006
Rick and Family,
I know no words can be comforting or ease your grief , but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Dutch
Allison White
July 17, 2006
Dear Punky and Alyssa,
Although I have not seen any of you in quite a few years I was at a complete loss of words when my mom told me of Alex's tragic accident. I can only remember Alex as a little boy running around playing with my brother but from the sounds of things he really blossomed into a very intellegent and will respected young man. I'm sure that no words right now can expess the sorrow that you are feeling but the day will come that you will be able to celebrate Alex's life and be so happy and proud of the awesome young person that you raised. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family as you will all be in my thoughts and prayers while you struggle through this very difficult time.
Mary Ann White
July 13, 2006
Words can never express how my heart aches for you in the pain of your loss. I pray you feel God's comforting presence, holding you close with His healing love.
We will always remember his warm smile and genuine kind heart.
Mary Ann White, mother of Elizabeth and Daniel
Dodie Sacia
July 12, 2006
You must be overwhelmed by the number of people who are saddened by the loss of your wonderful son. My son, Eric, spoke very highly of Tosh and was devastated upon hearing the news. Eric knew him through the OSU Leadership Collaborative and from his engineering classes. Our family sends our sincere sympathy to you at this very difficult time.
Steve, Dodie and Eric Sacia
Wanda Reyes
July 11, 2006
Becky,
This is Wanda with The FundFactory. I just found out about your loss. I'm so very sorry. My heart goes out to you. My prayers are with you and your family.
ANGEL PAPAI
July 10, 2006
RICK & FAMILY
ALTHOUGH IT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS SINCE WE'VE WORKED TOGETHER RICK, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Leroy Everett
July 10, 2006
This passage from this place is hard to comprehend. It has been a very long time since I have seen or spoke to anyone from this famliy but my thoughts and prayers go with you. May the light guide you and the darkness of this loss not cause you turn away.
Neal & Nancy Sabino
July 9, 2006
Our sincere condolences to all of Alex's family. We were out-of-town when we heard of this tragedy. Alex was such an energetic, bright young man. There are just no words to express our sadness.
Tina Kinney
July 8, 2006
Rick, Becky, Alissa, Alex and Zach
Words cannot express the sadness we are feeling. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you during this difficult time. We love you. Mike, Tina, Brandon, Nick and Kaitlyn Kinney
Rosanne Romano
July 8, 2006
Dear Otani family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Tosh once while moving my son into dorms at Ohio. He was so kind, helpful and nice. What a tragic loss- all my love to your family!
July 8, 2006
Dear Otani Family,
We did not have the privilege of meeting Tosh but our daughter was friends with him at OSU. She has spoken highly of him and felt honored to have known him. It appears he had that affect on everyone as we read other guest book entries. He obviously made you quite proud and the world will be missing a young man who would have contributed so much. One statement our daughter made to us this week has stood out in our minds. She said "I wish you could have met him." Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. God Bless!
Tom, Anita, and Emily Offenberger (Marietta, Ohio)
Pam Lusk
July 7, 2006
Cathy, Randy, Alissa-
I can only think that God needed a great debator, a scholar, an engineer, a soccer player, and a fantastic neighbor and young man up in heaven. His smile and an always "hello, how are you" to us as his neighbors will long be remembered. He will be missed.
Your neighbors always-
Pam and Karen
Terry Mills
July 7, 2006
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Pam - Krissy & Joy Montrose Auto Group
July 7, 2006
Rick and family, We send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May god be with you in your time of sorrow.
Marilyn Henley
July 7, 2006
Cathy
I would like to send you my sincere condolences on the loss of your son. My prayers and thoughts are with you. God Bless.
Jim & Kathy Omicinski
July 7, 2006
Dear Otani Family,
I work with Alex's Uncle Mark. We are so very sorry for your loss. Mark told us what an outstanding young man that Tosh was. Our hearts go out to all of you at this difficult time.
Thoughts & Prayers,
Vicki Perez
July 7, 2006
Dearest Randy,
I am so very sorry for you and your family. Just know that I am thinking about you all during this very sad time. Take care.
ARTIE, JACKIE& BETH TIMBERLAKE
July 6, 2006
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT ALEX. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY.
Susan Murphy
July 6, 2006
Although we met him only once at the OSU FEH Robot/Nano Competition, it was obvious how kind and intelligent he was. He took the time to explain in detail (his project) to a six year old. This six year old will probably grow up to be just like Tosh; smart, funny, kind and willing to share all he has learned with others.
May you find peace in your memories....what a fine young man!
The Murphy Family
(our daughter is a fellow FEH student)
Roger Wheeler
July 6, 2006
Dear Cathy,
Alex was the closest thing to a brother that i will ever have. He was the greatest friend and the most caring person I've known. There are soo many memories that will keep him in my mind. Words cannot express how sorry I am for this loss. All I hope for now, is that Alex will watch over all of us from his place among the stars. I know that everyone who has ever met Alex had become a better person just for knowing him. Again, I am deeply sorrowful for your loss. With all my love and all my heart.
Joan Richmond
July 6, 2006
To the Otani Family
May these words of sympathy ease the sorrow that you are feeling and may it bring you comfort to know that you are in our prayers. I never had the pleasure of meeting Tosh, but from what I have read in this guest book, he certainly was a son you could be proud of. God Bless!
Amy Rauchenstein
July 6, 2006
I just barely knew Tosh but he meant so much to me and so easily put a smile on my face. He had that effect on everyone who knew him. I feel honored to have know him as casually and briefly as I did. Tosh will most certainly be remembered and God has great plans for him still.
God Bless
Carla Limbach-Peters
July 6, 2006
Dear Rick and family:
Jeff and I extend our deepest sympathy on the tragic loss of your son. We can't pretend to feel your pain right now. We only hope your faith, friends, and family will help you through this. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Carla Limbach-Peters and Jeff Peters(friends from GlenOak HS)
Jeri (Styer) Douglas
July 6, 2006
Dear Rick and Family! My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son.May God Bless You and Your Family!
Christian Hoffer
July 6, 2006
Dear Otani Family,
My condolences on your tragic loss. Tosh was a friend of mine from Siebert Hall; we served together on the executive board on the Hall Council. He was the most dedicated members of the council, and made it his duty to make sure that all of Siebert was shown a great time. All of Siebert mourns his loss, and assures you that he will never be forgotten as long as Siebert stands.
Katie Malone
July 6, 2006
I knew Tosh the slightest bit because I was in FEH at Ohio State as well, but I first met him in high school when I had to debate against him every once in a while. I remember being frustrated with him on two counts--that I could never beat him and that I couldn't really dislike him because he was always a class act when I would talk to him outside of rounds. He had a fire inside that I still remember now, two years later, and he had the respect and admiration of this debater. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. And I bet he's debating Socrates right now (and winning).
LISA HYDE
July 6, 2006
DEAR RICK, WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR SON.I CAN STILL PICTURE HIM RUNNING AROUND THE DEALERSHIP WHEN WE WORKED TOGETHER!OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. LISA AND TIM HYDE
The Neago's
July 6, 2006
Our most deepest sympathy goes out to all of you.
We wish that we had the magic words to make everything better. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Alex touched so many lives in his short time on earth, and we are blessed to have known him.
God bless you,
Gayle, Al, Jason, and Ashley Neago
Roger Wheeler
July 6, 2006
Alex was the closest thing to a brother I could have ever had. Cathy, I am speechless when it comes to saying how sorry I am. I have so many memories of Alex and I'm sure that everyone that has met him have been better just for knowing him. I know our paths haven't been as close as I would like, but Alex was my greatest friend and always will be.
Again, I am sorry for your loss.
sherry helm
July 6, 2006
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Heidi Seal
July 6, 2006
Cathy,
On behalf of Aultman's Respiratory Care Staff...our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family! We are truly sorry for your loss. Please let me know if there is anything you need!!
Steve & Shelly Grimsley
July 6, 2006
Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with the entire Otani Family. May God give you all strength during this difficult time.
Kristy Noon and Chris Vitale
July 6, 2006
Dear Rick and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Please know we are here if you need anything.
Leigh and Moe Shaheen
July 6, 2006
Dear Rick and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear about Alexander, and we cannot even imagine the depth of your loss. Sending many prayers for some measure of comfort for all of you, as well as much love, from the two of us and from all your old friends from the Wheel...
Joseph Tano
July 6, 2006
May your sweet soul remain in good hands. Your family and friends will miss you very much. Rest in perfect peace.
Earl Tate
July 6, 2006
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Tammy & Donna Schneider (Brancifort)
July 6, 2006
Cathy & Alissa,
You have our deepest, deepest sympathies at this terrible time. We remember Alex growing up with very fond memories, since we first met you when Alissa & Tammy went to Heritage together & the good times at St. Joseph & CCHS. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
July 6, 2006
Dear Alissa and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Rosina Muoio
Jackie "Shetler" & Vince Falcone
July 6, 2006
To the families of Alexander,
My husband and I were deeply saddened by the news of the loss of Alexander. We didn't realize until we read the paper we had two separate connections. I went through High School at GlenOak with Alexander's father Rick and have fond memories of what a special, gentle, caring person he always was and a wonderful friend to me. My husband Vince has been a long time friend of the Drakulich family and graduated with his good friend, Uncle Mark, at St.Thomas. We are heartbroken for the families that they have lost this special child in their lives. You have our deepest sympathy.
Laurie Mayberry
July 6, 2006
Cathy,
You are in my thougts and prayers. Having a son of my own I could not imagine the feeling of loosing a child. I do know with the loss of my mother I miss her every day and to ease my lonliness and pain I reflect on the good times and happy memories we shared. Tosh sounds like a wonderful young man and he has touched many lives his memory and zest for life will go on in many people.
God Bless you and your family
Karla Diglaw
July 6, 2006
My heart goes out to the entire Otani family. I worked with Alex's Uncle Mark and he spoke so highly of his nephew Tosh. My daughter Amber went to Central and then on to OSU with him. My prayer's will be with you and your family.
The Donald Diglaw Family
Sarah Hamilton
July 6, 2006
Alex had a great atmosphere to grow in, with an amazing loving family. They are a great part, in giving the most amazing person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing to this world. Everyone is proud of Tosh. He deserves to be kept alive as much as possible in us all, it can only be benificial. He never wastes a second by always giving, which is truely phenomenal. He gave up things he loved to make the world a better place. He never didnt appreciate all the gifts he had in life. That is why he tried to give as much as possible. He loved his family in a way I have yet to see anywhere else. He cared, worried, and thanked them for everything... he took everything they gave him as an amazing gift, never acting like he expected it. No body lights up a room quite like him. Above all else he loved life, and tried to get us all to find the same joy he found in it. I thank his family for letting me get the pleasure of his and their company in my life. I honestly don't know how my life would have been without it, he lives in me in ways I dont even know. (O'hana Alexander Toshio Otani)
Brian Roberts
July 6, 2006
Words cannot express how much that Tosh meant to so many people. I was blessed to have known him for the year that he spent at OSU and I could tell that he was the type of person that was destined for great things and it is incredibly tragic that he had to be taken from us in such a way. My condolences go out to the entire family, I can only imagine what this loss means to all of you.
Brigid
July 6, 2006
Dear Otani Family,
I was a friend of Alex's when he went to central. I was on the speech team, and although he was "a debater" we always called him our honorary speechie because we loved him so. He was a truly amazing person, and I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Laura Gensheimer
July 5, 2006
Dear Family of Tosh,
I am extremely sad to see Tosh go. He was a great friend and always knew how to make people laugh and feel comfortable. I met him at the Leadership Collaborative at Ohio State and immediately loved him. He was a great person and made this world a better place. God bless you. You're in my prayers.
Gary Alecusan
July 5, 2006
To the entire Otani family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I can't imagine how difficult this time is and want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Troy Smith
July 5, 2006
I hold on to the hope that this is just a very horrible dream. I never was good at writting...thats why you were always in my english classes =P. Anyways, you were one of my best friends since grade school and your influence has shaped my life more than anyother friend i have had. I love you like a brother and miss you just as much. All I can say is you touched so many people and changed so many lives for the better that I only wish i could do half as muc has you. Good night man..i'll see you when I wake up
Kristy McElligott
July 5, 2006
I was fortunate enough to have been able to spend time with Tosh at Ohio State. He was always energetic and outgoing. From the moment I met him, I felt comfortable around him because of the atmosphere he created. He will be missed.
Vinny Romano
July 5, 2006
Dear the Otani family,
I am very sorry. Tosh was a good friend and an amazing person. He was inspirational to all, and he will never be forgotten. You are constantly in my prayers.
Lee Orin
July 5, 2006
Cathy,
I was deeply saddened by the loss of your son. Our hearts go out to you and your family, and you are in our prayers. May God give you strength and courage to get through the difficult days ahead.
Jeff and Lee (Purses) Orin
Debi Bussey
July 5, 2006
Rick, Becky, Alex, & Zach,
Words can not express the heartache I feel for you at this time. Having a young son I just can not imagine the loss you must feel. Tosh was such an energetic and fun filled kid growing up and so bright. He will leave us all with nothing but good memories of him. May you all dwell on those good memories and look forward to the day when you will be with him again.
I love you all and you are in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Stephen Smith
July 5, 2006
Thoughts and Prayers for your family at this difficult time. Tosh was an extraordinary person and will be deeply missed.
Sarah Murphy
July 5, 2006
Tosh was a classmate of mine at OSU and a phenomenal inspiration. To reiterate what so many others also experienced, Tosh always had a smile and a laugh for me. He impressed me with his enthusiasm for life. I am sorry for the loss that we have all experienced, and I hope that we can all carry on Tosh's outlook in ourselves.
Chris Wachtel
July 5, 2006
To the entire Otani family,
My dearest sympathies to you as you cope with this tragic loss. I am a 1993 graduate of Central Catholic and currently working in Cincinnati at P&G. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Tiffany Neidenthal
July 5, 2006
Cathy,
I just wanted to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. I am keeping your family in my thoughts.
Linda Tharp
July 5, 2006
Hi Kathy and Alissa,
There are no words that can express the heartfelt sympathy we feel for you. Only God can comfort you in your sorrow. We are very sadden and shocked at your great loss. We all had so much fun together when Alissa, Val, Alex and Jeremy were little and growing up. Alex is a great loss to all. He was so full of love and fun. We will all miss him very much.
Your friends forever,
John, Linda, Valerie and Jeremy Tharp
Vickie Drews
July 5, 2006
Rick, Becky, Alyssa, Alex & Zach: We are simply stunned beyond belief. Tosh will always be in our hearts, as will all of you. You know we'll be here if you need anything and we won't wait for you to call us--we'll check in from time to time. Having three sons between us, Tim and I can only imagine the unbearable pain and sadness you are feeling. He was a joyful boy and a promising man. We will miss him. All our love, Vickie, Tim, Robby and Aaron
Elizabeth Sutter
July 5, 2006
Alex was an amazing person, nice, funny, and so intelligent! He had so much going for him and will be truly and deeply missed.
Janese Tupta
July 5, 2006
Rick, Becky, Zach and Alex,
I am so sorry to hear about your dear Tosh. Such a huge loss to everyone he knew. I will always remember his great smile and zest for life. I will pray for your comfort and healing. God Bless!
Janese Tupta and family
Courtney Halter
July 5, 2006
Cathy,
You and your family are in my thoughts during this hard time. You always talk so much of your kids and they are so precious. On behalf of the HelpDesk at Aultman Hospital we are here if you need anything.
Audrey Wilhelm
July 5, 2006
Evelyn and Richard, Grandparents: My deepest sympathy in the loss of Tosh...there are no words. Rest my friend.
Diane Duckworth
July 5, 2006
Dear family and friends of Alex,
Although I did not know Alex personally, my daughter Erin Eighan counted him as one of her dearest friends. She was with him at Central for the 2002-2003 school and we moved to Minnesota after that. She saw him for a "breakfast date" when she returned to Ohio last summer. She told me, upon hearing of his passing, that he was one of the finest individuals she has ever known. Not only was he smart and bright, but such an honorable and good person. His passing greatly saddened her and she will remember him forever with wonderful memories of him. His picture from high school is on our refrigerator. Our prayers are with you.
Tiffany Betras
July 5, 2006
Family and friends of Tosh,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Tosh was a classmate and was unlike anyone I've ever met. I know that he has spread smiles not only to myself, but to many, many other classmates and friends. He will always be remembered and his spirit will live on through those who knew him.
Lauren Alexander
July 5, 2006
I was on the debate team with Alex at Central Catholic. I have not seem him for over a year but I fondly recall his intelligence, kindness, and integrity. I am so sorry for your loss and am keeping your family in my prayers.
Jason Dunbar
July 5, 2006
Having the pleasure of knowing many in the Otani Family, and Knowing the love and laughter that bonds them together; we know Alexander will be thought of everyday, missed deeply and loved always.
It is with heavy heart that the Dunbar family extends its deepest sympathy to those lucky enough to have known Alexander .
Libby Mercer
July 5, 2006
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rick Freuler, FEH Coordinator
July 5, 2006
Dear family and friends of Tosh,
On behalf of the faculty, students, and staff of the OSU FEH program, I extend our deepest sympathy at this very sad time. We share your shock and grief, as Tosh is fondly remembered. My hope and prayer are that the Lord provide much needed comfort to you all as you place Tosh's hand into His hand.
Shannon Murphy-Roach
July 5, 2006
Rick,Becky,Alissa,and family: I was just devestated to hear about your son. You were just telling me how proud you are of the both of them. I send my thoughts and prayers to you. If there is anything that you may need please get in contact with me. God Bless!
Shannon, Jon, & Aidan Roach
Alissa Szczepaniak-Crossen
July 5, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you during this tragic time.
Michelle Sarver
July 5, 2006
I had Alex in the Learning Ladder Day Care. It was great to hear what a smart young man he became. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Kayla Puncheon
July 5, 2006
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Janet and Mark Dodosh
July 5, 2006
Dearest Cathy and Randy,
No words can even begin to express how very, very sorry we are. Our hearts ache for you. You are in our constant thoughts and prayers. Love, Mark and Janet Dodosh
Pam Leddon
July 5, 2006
I would like to express my sympathies to Alex's family and friends. Alex meant alot to our Jackson YMCA and I will always remember the long, intellectual talks that we had and then he would break out that smile and just make you laugh. Alex was a young man well beyond his years and I was blessed by getting to know him. God Bless,
Pam Leddon from the Jackson YMCA
Robert Bussey, Jr.
July 5, 2006
Tosh ... you showed all of us how we should live our short span of life here on earth, that is with Enthusiasm (God-within), excitement, and using the God-given talents and abilities to better those around you, especially by bringing a smile to others, and good memories! Thank you. You were learning a lot of formulas in school for engineering, and there is one for "Life", which I'm sure you learned and are now living ... Life with our Creator ... "we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord." 2 Cor. 5:8 We will see a shell of a young man, but we will know that you are at home with the Lord, and have been given a new body ... one that will never cry, never mourn, never feel pain (Rev. 21:4).
But love wants us to hold onto you here, however, we will just have to wait and see you later!
July 5, 2006
Extending our deepest and sincerest sympathies to you and your families at this very sad time in your lives.
Keeping all of you in loving thoughts and prayers,
Andrea and Phyllis Piasecki
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