ALLEN I. "Al" TOLCHINSKY

1947 - 2022

Age 75 of Burton, died December 12, 2022, at UH Geauga Medical Center, Claridon Twp. Born October 10, 1947, in Cleveland, to Sanford and Fay (nee: Klein) Tolchinsky. Al was a beloved Industrial Arts Teacher for 30 years, serving Crestwood, Berkshire, Newbury, Lakewood and retired from Madison School Districts. He was known as "Coach T" by all who knew and loved him. Al was a wrestling coach and referee for 35 years, serving on the Berkshire Local School Board and Burton Zoning Board of Appeals. He was inducted into the Euclid Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 and was a member of the Greater Cleveland Wrestling Coaches Association. Al enjoyed classic cars, woodworking, and metal work. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and family. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Dawn (nee: Jackson) Tolchinsky of Burton, children Robyn (Rich) Vandevander of Newbury and Josh (Holly Huffman) Tolchinsky of Cincinnati; grandchildren Rachel Jaffe of Beachwood, Zack Vandevander of Newbury, Lillian and Evelyn Tolchinsky of Cincinnati. He also leaves his siblings Paul (Kathy) Tolchinsky of Scottsdale, AZ, Barbara Tolchinsky of Mayfield Hts., Penny (Barry) Knelman of Irvine,CA, Sherry Noll of Chagrin Falls, Betsy (Bill) Cusack of West Chester, OH and brother in law, Murray Kempe of Lisle, IL. He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Cookie. A Memorial service will be held Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Temple Israel Ner Tamid, 1732 Lander Rd., Mayfield Hts., OH. Immediately following the service, the family will receive friends at the home of Sherry Noll, 224 Stonebrooke Oval, Chagrin Falls 44022, until 8:00 PM and Friday, 12:00 5:00 PM. A private family burial was held. A Celebration of Al's Life will be held in early January 2023. Details to be announced. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Berkshire Wrestling Team, C/O Berkshire Athletic Department, 14155 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton, OH 44021 or Berkshire Recreation, P.O. Box 61, Burton, OH 44021, or if you choose, take a dear one to lunch and celebrate Al's life. Arrangements handled by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon, Ohio. Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com.