Alessandro TOSCHI

TOSCHI
Alessandro, A wonderful life was lived and lost when Alessandro Umberto Visconti Marazzoni Maria Toschi, 83, of Glen Rock, New Jersey, took his last breath on February 7 – the same day he entered the world. He was known as "Sandro", "Alexander", "Big Al" and "Big Papa" by his grandchildren. As the eldest son of Carlo Toschi, he also assumed the title of "Count" of the Toschi family upon his father's death. Alex is survived by his wife Mimi of 52 years, son Sandro and daughter Mia, grandchildren, Sandro, Michael, Gabriela and many nieces and nephews. Big Al was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. Besides his love for family, Al loved world politics, traveling, working out and sports. He and Mimi enjoyed dividing their time between homes in Glen Rock, New Jersey, LaPorte, Indiana and Scottsdale, Arizona. Raised in New York City and Milan, Italy, Alex obtained a Master's Degree in International Business and eventually headed up the National Foreign Trade Council where he worked for 40 years in both New York City and Washington, DC. He was instrumental in creating business opportunities in many countries and worked with the Presidents of Mexico and South Africa. He also worked directly with Nelson Mandela in the 1990's. Toschi served in the U.S Army during the Korean War and worked thro-ughout Germany in many rebuilding operations although he never changed a light bulb in his own home. Big Al often said the military helps build great character in men. Alessandro spoke several languages and will always be remembered for pushing people to be their best – physically, mentally and spiritually. Thro- ughout his lengthy illness with brain cancer, Big Al laced up his running shoes on each day in hopes of getting back to the Ridgewood YMCA where he enjoyed working out nearly every day with his many dear friends. He was forced to give up his routine due to his illness but enjoyed watching sports and ESPN every day. One of his favorite things to do was take long walks with family and friends. He climbed every mountain and walked every mile of NYC. Family members wish to extend their gratitude to Toschi's nurses at Valley Hospital including Teri Johnson as well as the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Glen Rock police department and Care One in Paramus where many loving nurses and aides cared for him. During his journey, there were too many friends to count who helped ease the burden but the family does wish to acknowledge the many neighbors and Glen Rockers who helped. Services and a prayer vigil for Alessandro Toschi will be held at the Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Avenue, Ramsey on Wednesday, February 11 from 4-7 PM. Although he was an Italian, Big Al loved Irish music. An "Italian Irish Wake" will be held immediately following. There will be a Roman Catholic Mass at Saint Joseph's Church in June in LaPorte Indiana, where Alessandro To-schi married his wife. A burial of his ashes will immediately follow with a Celebration of Life at his favorite Italian restaurant. Please send tributes, memories and condolences to vanemburghsneider.com.