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Radu Toma Obituary
1961-2022
With immense sadness we announce the passing of Professor Radu Toma, at 60 years of age, on February 13th, 2022. Radu was a teacher at Palo Alto High School, Palo Alto, CA, and an adjunct professor of Mathematics at Canada College, Redwood City, CA, beloved father, and friend.
Radu was born in Brasov, Romania, in 1961. He graduated with a MS in Mathematics from the University of Bucharest, Department of Mathematics, and later obtained a MS in Education from California State University-East Bay. Radu had a long and highly successful career during which he changed for the better the lives (and mathematical understanding) of so many of his students. He was recognized internationally as a first-place winning mathematics coach in the COMAP International Mathematical Modelling Challenge, where he won first place with his students several times. He was also the coach and teacher for students who medaled in the International Mathematics Olympiad. His achievements in mathematics coaching were recognized by the US Congress and the State Department.
Radu was about a lot more than his career. He loved to travel and he was an adventurous traveler who visited more than 80 countries. He was an avid reader and enjoyed gathering with friends around a bottle of wine. Radu had an incredible sense of humor, energy, and an infectiously optimistic personality that we will never forget. Rest in peace, dear father and dear friend. Radu is survived by his beloved daughter, Emma Marie Toma who resides in London, UK.
Radu Toma's memorial service will take place on March 4th, 10:00 am, at Alta Mesa Memorial Park Chapel, 695 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Urn placement into niche will follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Unbound charity (www.unbound.org) to help children around the world. This charity was very dear to his heart.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Radu Toma
Sponsored by Alta Mesa Funeral Home - Palo Alto.
Peter Reeve-Newson
October 6, 2023
The answer to final Jeopardy on October 6th was "Rado Toma"
Annmarie Papp
March 18, 2022
As a math teacher who has known, respected and learned from Radu Toma, I will fondly remember the interactions and experiences we had over the years. He is at peace.
Anne-Marie Lemoine
March 1, 2022
My deepest thoughts for Toma's family and friend. What a tragic way to die at his young age. I remember Toma as a friendly man and with the reputation of an excellent teacher.
Anne-Marie Lemoine
Melanie Kuo and Francis Ho
February 28, 2022
We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Mr. Toma and to get to know him. He was a great mentor to our son Matthew, and he is a key reason that our son grew to love math so much. We first met Mr. Toma when our son was in 7th grade, and he has been a rock for us ever since, as he has been for many generations of Paly students. Our deepest condolences to his family, and it´s a huge loss for the Paly community. We will greatly miss him.
Marilyn Cook
February 27, 2022
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Radu on his untimely passing. I have a happy memory of Radu the young man full of energy and goodwill when he joined the Paly staff. He threw himself into the life of the school with enthusiasm and immediately put himself forward to become a teacher advisor. He made a difference. He touched many lives. He is sorely missed.
Bruce and Suz Antink
February 26, 2022
We were all so lucky to have Radu in our lives. He was a firm friend, a talented colleague and a brilliant teacher who cared deeply for students. We send Emma and Linda our deep sympathy. Emma, you were the light of his life! Linda, I still remember how he loved you deeply and married you on Valentine's day. May his memory bring a smile in due time.
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Alta Mesa Funeral Home - Palo Alto695 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306
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