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Delaney Greabell Adydan Funeral Home

241 Kinne Street

East Syracuse, New York

Joseph Tolhurst Obituary

Tolhurst, Joseph

East Syracuse: Joseph Tolhurst, 99, passed away Sunday. He was a graduate of East Syracuse High School, St. Lawrence University, doing his graduate work at Boston University and Ithaca College. He retired from Hilton Central School District having served as Physical Education instructor, Athletic Director, coach and teacher. He was honored by having a gym named after him.

He was inducted into the St. Lawrence University Athletic Hall of Fame, because of his achievement in baseball and basketball and subsequently for his contributions to his profession. He was also inducted into the Hilton Central and ESM Central Athletic Halls of Fame. He served with the US Army during WWII, landing on Omaha Beach.

Joe is survived by his wife of 59 years Rosemary Becker Tolhurst, along with several nieces, nephews and good friends.

Calling hours will be held this Wednesday from 4pm-7pm at Delaney Greabell Adydan Funeral Home, 241 Kinne St, East Syracuse. Funeral services will be Thursday at 10 am at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be in White Chapel Memory Gardens, DeWitt.

Contributions can be made to your favorite charity in Joe's memory. To offer condolences please visit delaneygreabelladydanfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on Jan. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Tolhurst

20 Entries

Mark Heywood

July 17, 2016

Coach as an excellent motivator, I still remember his pep talks and how he made us believe we could achieve

Steve Gilmore

January 26, 2016

Mt. T. your were an awesome Coach, Teacher and Friend. We will play 1 v. 1 again I promise.

Richard Torp

February 2, 2016

Coach was a great man and looked up to by so many students at Hilton. I have fond memories of a kind and compassionate leader.

Roy Hamlin

January 27, 2016

Once in a while a " good guy" comes along.. This was true with Coach.. and he was all that a Coach should be... he was concerned about his players AND their families, everyone at Hilton knew him, and he knew everyone. His greatest victory was finding Rosemary for his own. Rosemary, you were truly a blessing to Joe at games end. You truly shared a life that involved so many aspects of Joe's life.. and made it a part of yours. Go in Peace Coach, and Rosemary know the love that so many had for Coach is double to you.

Neil Taber

January 26, 2016

A sad day for the many many students who attended Hilton High School when Joe was coach of most sports and teacher and mentor to many. I recall when he came to Hilton in the 50's, rooming with my grandparents. I was also on the varsity baseball team and recall the many out of town games when Joe was not only the coach but our bus driver. A wonderful man. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

January 26, 2016

Joe was a great coach to our baseball and basketball teams. I remember him like it was yesterday walking down the hall with that "smile" on his face... It was during The early 50's that I attended Hilton and he taught sports. Teachers come and go, but Joe will never be forgotten. Darlene Manviille Confer

January 26, 2016

Rest in peace Mr. Tolhurst. Deb McAvoy Frost. Hilton High School. Class of 1981.

Paul Wadsworth

January 26, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

January 26, 2016

Mr. T was a wonderful friend and neighbor ... Rest In Peace and God Bless ... Love, Lisa and Peggy Gardner.

Fredd DeLost

January 26, 2016

Mr T was an outstanding person that was a dear friend to our family. I will never forget his friendship with my father.

Fredd DeLost

January 26, 2016

Mr T was an outstanding person that was a dear friend to our family. I will never forget his friendship with my father.

ANNE HALL

January 26, 2016

IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, JOE WOULD SNEAK INTO OUR CLASSROOMS AND PUT AP + BB OR BB + AP ON THE TOP OF THE BLACKBOARD. WE COULDN'T REACH IT TO ERASE IT. HAPPY WE KEPT IN TOUCH ALL THESE YEARS. WONDERFUL MEMORIES.

Mark Strussenberg

January 26, 2016

i graduated from Hilton High in 1966 and remember Coach well. he was among those who put me on the good path, and it's helped me all my life.
Via Con Dios, Coach...

Cy Gavigan

January 26, 2016

I was privileged to be on the first athletic teams that Joe coached at Hilton
1951-1954.God bless you Joe.

Thomas Barnes

January 26, 2016

Sorry to hear of Mr. T's passing, He was always in good health when he was our middle school gym teacher in Hilton. Can't reach much better of a milestone than making it to 99 yrs old! Rest in Piece Mr. T

Mike Clark

January 26, 2016

Joe T was my middle school teacher and had an overwhelming influence on my life. Old school values and toughness but delivered with kindness. He was very respected here in Hilton, NY. RIP Coach T

Mike Clark

January 26, 2016

Joe T was my middle school teacher and his influence on me was immeasurable. Old school values and toughness. He was very highly respected here in small town Hilton. RIP Coach

James E. Rice

January 26, 2016

Dear Rosemary, I'm so sorry to hear of Joe's passing, he will be missed by all. Joe was an honorable man, friend, and mentor to me in high school, and I always enjoyed playing golf with him over the years. He was my baseball couch for four years, and a made the years go easier for me to cope with school life. He was a true Hall of Famer and I thank him for his service in the Armed Forces. May he rest in peace.

Gary K Schwonke

January 26, 2016

A truly great man from the "Greatest Generation", Joe was a second father to hundreds of his students. Thank you, Rosemary for your love and care of Joe throughout your lives together. Love, Gary Schwonke

Tim Rabjohn

January 26, 2016

Coach T was a great guy!

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