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Donald Tasto Obituary
A resident of Atherton, CA, passed on November 21 at the age of 70.
Dr. Tasto was born in Evanston, IL, and grew up in Denver, CO. He moved to the Bay Area in 1978. He received his PhD in Psychology at St. Louis University in 1967. He worked as a college professor, researcher at the Stanford Research Institute, and then as a clinical psychologist in Menlo Park. He received his law degree from the New College of California School of Law in 1998. He worked as a private-practice attorney in Redwood City for the past 15 years. His personality and zest for life far exceeded his professional accomplishments.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Flores Tasto of Atherton, CA; his son Joseph Tasto of Rockville, MD; his daughter Jennifer Thenhaus of Denver, CO; his two sisters Mary West and Patricia Schmitz; eight grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 29 at 11:00 AM at The Church of the Nativity, 210 Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park, CA.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Live2GiveYou c/o 98 McCormick Ln, Atherton, CA 94027.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Margaret Giza (Maggie)
May 9, 2025
Donald Tasto and I went to the same grade school. We had a crush in the 5th grade and his parents took us on our 1st date to an amusement park. It rained the whole time. We went to different private high schools. Thank you for the memories. Maggie
Wendy
November 19, 2024
I was always so glad ti see Dr. Tasto at the circus club off and on. He had a comforting presence about him whenever I would see him.
He also helped me so much therapy-wise. I so wish he was still alive. I need him.
My condolences to Jennifer.
Bethany Hunt
December 5, 2017
Don was a friend to everyone and full of enthusiasm. Sorry to hear he has gone. May he rest in peace.
Richard Longacre
October 12, 2016
...Eternal thanks for saving my life, Doc...
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Candace Lee
October 1, 2016
My dearest boss, Don, sorry I just found out today while I was out of country since 2012. I've always had the utmost respect for you since 2003 the very first day that I worked in your office. Between 2003 and 2008, we had a great time working together in Redwood City Law Office, party with lovely Jen in your house and Jen's office besides friends get together had fun time to meet at the BBC in Menlo Park. Miss you and miss the best time we had worked together in the office. Pray for your smiling peaceful soul as always and thank you for taking a good care of your employee that I enjoyed.
August 30, 2016
oh my god don im sorry i didnt know im sorry i know im a fool here just rememebering you now because i need your help but what can i do i dont know where i can run now im badly need your help but its too late now im sorry now im grieving... i still remember the day when you said if theres a problem find a way to contact you but here i am now feeling clueless oh my god what can i do im a selfish i know but cant help it i will pray for your soul don i miss you thanks for all the help you gave me...
lots of love
abby
Arnold Itkin
June 10, 2016
We will miss you Don
Lloyd Bond
May 13, 2015
I first met Don in 2003 at the BBC (British Bankers Club) in Menlo Park. We immediately became fast friends and developed a friendship that I will always cherish. He was an extraordinarily talented man -- skilled in both psychology and the law. He and Jen invited me and my wife to many family and professional affairs and were always gracious hosts. I will always remember fondly the fun and often hilarious times we spent together.
LARGE LAIRD
April 15, 2014
lAIRD A. SOLSO "WAS ONE OF THE "BEST"MEN I'VE EVER KNOWN"
Johnny Schmitz
December 16, 2013
Dear Don,
I miss you terribly. You were my mentor, my confidant, my friend. The sadness I feel is so overwhelming. You taught me so much in the practice of law and life. Nobody could play Amazing Grace like you, and I know in my heart you are now experiencing the Amazing Grace you so elegantly sang and played and we all dreamed and longed for those cherished words to be deeply seated in our souls. You accomplished this for me.
Goodbye my Godfather. I have always loved you and still do.
Love your godson,
Johnny
December 16, 2013
Don was my only brother who I will miss forever. He gave me his heart and I loved him very much. I know he is at peace now.
Love you bro
Mary
Leonard Nanis
December 13, 2013
Immense sadness at the loss of a man with many talents, great intellect and sparkling wit. Celebrate life, as Don would wish.
Wendy Wachhorst
December 9, 2013
Every positive adjective describes Dr. Tasto.
Just knowing he existed gave me a certain comfort and joy.
I will miss you very much, Dr. Tasto. Thank you for all you gave to me.
Morgan Muir
December 3, 2013
Don: In the short time I knew you, you became a great mentor and friend. Thank you so much for your willingness to teach me, and the kindness and grace you always showed me. I appreciate it so much. May you rest in peace.
Judy Muller
December 3, 2013
Dearest Don,
You were truly a wonderful,kind and generous man and you will be sadly missed by all. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and the hearts of my family for all of the
words of kindness you gave me and my family in our time of need. We will miss you but now you can be the angel in heaven doing all the wonderful things you have always done in your very accomplished life. We love you and we miss you. Jen my heart is broken for you and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
All my love, Judy
words of kindness you gave me and my family. You will be so very missed by all that knew you and loved you. May you rest in peace and be the angel in heaven
November 30, 2013
I AM SO VERY SAD AT THE THOUGHT THAT DON TASTO IS GONE. WHAT A GENTLEMAN. NO ONE PLAYED AMAZING GRACE OR SANG IT, LIKE DON. HE WAS MY FRIEND'S HUSBAND AND WAS MY ATTORNEY. HE MADE ME LAUGH AND GOT ME A BIG FAT CHECK IN SUIT. I RESPECT HIM, THANK HIM AND WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER DON AS SUCH A GREAT GUY. MY HEART GOES OUT TO JENNY, HIS PRECIOUS, AWESOME WIFE. REST IN PEACE, DON TASTO.
FROM YOUR FRIEND AND YOUR WANNA-BE SECRETARY,
PAT CROCKER SAN FRANCISCO
Deborah Feng
November 26, 2013
Truly Don was such a great human; smart, kind and warmhearted, interested in others and engaged. I will miss him very much.
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