Eugene Robert Toschi

The original "Tosk," Gene Toschi, with a grin on his face, died peacefully in his sleep on April 11, 2024 capping a life full of fun, love and adventure. Born in Oakland California to Italian parents, Italo and Norma, Gene grew up in the "old school" Italian neighborhoods surrounding 49 th Street. He was the second child, doted upon by his beloved sister Vivian (Cunningham). Gene's lifelong love of Lake Tahoe was forged in his childhood through visits with his family. The Tahoe love solidified through many adventures there throughout his life. Gene and his buddies would camp in Meeks Bay, and don fancy clothes for some underage casino carousing. Gene attended Oakland Technical High School, where he met the Canadian born troublemaker who would become his lifelong partner in adventure, Elizabeth "Betty" Wilks (Toschi). After graduating from Oakland Tech, Gene completed an Associate's degree in Photography. Eschewing starvation, Gene enlisted in the military to secure the GI Bill. He taught bayonet combat stateside. After an honorable discharge, Gene entered San Jose State where he obtained a degree in Civil Engineering. It was during those heady San Jose State days he would marry Betty. At San Jose State, Gene and Betty formed strong lifelong friendships, joining a "rat pack" of other adventurers. Gene and his S.A.E. fraternity brothers, too numerous to mention here, and their respective spouses, stayed very close throughout their lives, visiting each other often, and traveling California and the world together. They all were ever part of his being, and their enduring friendships and love were integral to his lifelong happiness. Married to Betty and with Steven born, Gene's career began as a licensed Civil Engineer for the City of San Jose. Later, he built homes with his company Valley Construction, and thereafter consulted for Warmington Homes. Gene was an excellent father to his sons. He and Betty imparted the values of honesty, education, and hard work. Gene's family stayed close, with many trips from San Jose to Oakland, to his mother, Norma's home and to Betty's mother, Mary's house. Gene was a part of the lives of his sons' families, and nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Skiing trips to Squaw Valley and Northstar, summers at Tahoe, boats, bikes, guns, golf games, cribbage, bridge and general good times over the years were logged with family and friends. Gene was a fantastic Grandpa to all his grandkids and his great granddaughter. Gene was active in his bridge club, his SERS group, and made many friends from his community and neighborhood in Modesto, where he lived with Betty for 30 years. Gene was sad with Betty's passing 8 years ago and kept her ashes and picture in his home. In the last few days of his life, when it was clear to him that drawing another card from the healthcare deck would do him no good, Gene said, "I want to go look for Betty." Do not be sad but rejoice in the life of a gamesman. Gene is survived by his three sons, Steven, Grant and Eric Toschi , his grandchildren, Garrett, Grayson, Rachael, Melanie, and Jared and his great granddaughter Josie. He was preceded in death by his sister Vivian Cunningham and his wife of 59 years Elizbeth Toschi.

Services will be held on May 11 at 11:30 a.m. at Graham-Hitch Mortuary at 4167 First Street in Pleasanton with a Celebration of Life reception to be held immediately following.