Thomas P. Toski 1925-2023

1925 - 2023

Thomas P. Toski

1925-2023

Easthampton, MA -

Western Mass Hall of Fame Golf Pro & Instructor Tom Toski dies at 97.

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Thomas Peter Toski who died surrounded by family and friends on May 22, 2023, at the age of 97. For the past year he resided at Renaissance Manor Nursing Home in Holyoke MA but had a permanent residence in West Palm Beach FL for the past 36 years.

He was born on July 3, 1925, the son of Walenty Algustoski and Mary (Kocienski) Algustoski who emigrated from Poland, Walenty in 1905 and Mary, a year later. Walenty and Mary married and raised 9 children, 5 boys & 4 girls. It was perhaps meant to be that they purchased a modest home in Haydenville MA, adjacent to a golf course. Despite an extremely challenging childhood marked by the early death of their mother, the boys' innate raw talents and unrelenting drive produced 4 PGA golf professionals, Jack, Ben, Tom & Bob Toski. Golf became a calling for the brothers and forged a bond between them that was unbreakable and lifelong. Tom was especially proud of his younger brother Bob whose extraordinary talent and worldwide success made the Toski name famous and synonymous with the game of golf. On a recent visit, you could see the profound love Tom and Bob shared as they recalled so many precious memories and laughed while reminiscing about their boyhood antics. Now looking over a lifetime of photos, one would be hard pressed to find many photos of Tom that don't include him with his brothers, clubs in hand, or one of him grinning from ear to ear at a golf event. Golf was truly his life passion and his singular love.

In the middle of his senior year, Tom left Williamsburg High School and joined the Navy during the height of WWII, earning 4 battle stars, which were issued to US Navy crewmen for meritorious participation in battle. While serving he was promoted to the rank of 2nd class sonar technician (E-5) from 1943-1946. Despite all his achievements in the world of golf, he was most proud of his military service. In 2018, Tom and brother Bob were among 20 WWII veterans who were recognized in our nation's capital and participated in a "Parade of Heroes" for their service to their country during WW11 and the Korean War.

Tom's career began as an assistant to brother Jack, at the Northampton Country Club. He went on to become Head Pro at Wahconah Country Club in Dalton, MA from 1959-1969 and later head pro at Hickory Ridge Country Club in Amherst MA for 15 years. While at Hickory, he co-founded the Toski Intercollegiate Golf Invitational, which he hosted for 26 years. He later taught at Stratton Mountain Golf School for 6 years and at Waubeeka Golf Center in Williamston Ma for 3 seasons. He was honored to be inducted into the Western MA Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.

He ended his teaching career at the Western Mass Golf Center in Hadley MA where he was a teaching professional for 25 years until the age of 95. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to Pat & Rick Hollrock & their family for the many years of friendship and amazing support that they selflessly gave to Tom over the years. Better friends are hard to come by.

Tom was predeceased by his wife, Lucille in 2005, his only child, Tom Toski Jr in 2009, and his grandson, Nolan Toski in 2014 as well as 3 brothers and four sisters: Jack, Ben and Kenneth Toski, Stacia Mar, Lottie Sylvester, Vicky Fisher and Dottie Kneeland. He is survived by his partner of 15 years, Linda Mazeski, who was his dedicated caretaker and in the waning years of his life, his primary support and source of comfort. We are grateful to her for always standing by his side and for the many years she gave to him. He is also survived by his youngest brother, Bob of Boca Raton, FL, his granddaughter, Lauren Toski Johnson (husband Billy Johnson), great granddaughter, Ella Lee, and great grandson Emmett Thomas of Suquamish, WA, several nieces and nephews and numerous close friends who meant everything to him.

Tommy lived a long & amazing life & despite several tragic losses, his faith was unwavering & he remained deeply religious to the end. Always with a huge smile and ready with a song, he was the life of every gathering. Life won't be the same without him and he will be painfully and forever missed.

Calling hours will be Monday June 19, 2023, from 4-6pm at Ahearn Funeral Home in Northampton, MA followed by a funeral mass on Tuesday June 20 at 11am at Our Lady of the Hills Parish in Haydenville, MA. Burial will immediately follow at St. Mary's of the Assumption Cemetery in Leeds MA.

Ahearn Funeral Home

(413) 587-0044