John W. Toth

Sept. 29, 1936 - Oct. 18, 2019

SOUTH BEND, IN - John W. Toth, 83, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 5:45 a.m. Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Sanctuary of St. Paul's in South Bend.

He was born on September 29, 1936 to the late John A. and Virginia (Miller) Toth in South Bend, IN, and lived in Atlanta for 22 years - teaching, acting and directing.

John retired in 1999, after 36 years as a Teacher-Educator at various high schools and colleges.

He was a 1954 Graduate of Central High School where he was proud to be a member of Helen Weber's Glee Club and a board member of James Lewis Casaday's Barnstormers. John received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959 from the University of Notre Dame. In 1962 he received his Masters degree from The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. John then received his PhD in 1971 from The Ohio State University in Theatre History and Dramatic Literature.

In 1964 he, William Brady and another teacher started The Country Playhouse on property near Hay School where Musicals were held in the summer. After two years, a permanent structure was built at Oldenburg Farms to house the plays until 1968.

From age 15 to age 70 John acted in over 200 and directed over 100 major productions, including Presbyterian Players, South Bend Civic Theatre, St. Mary's and Notre Dame Theaters, and theaters in Atlanta, Georgia.

He won a fellowship for study in England where he did research in libraries and museums, including British Theatre Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Shakespeare Center in Stratford, England.

John loved to cook, read, watch movies, take walks along the river, and travel the world with his friend Delores Blicher, now deceased. They visited six of the seven continents, all of Europe and the Orient.

He was a member of the former University Club at Notre Dame. John was a speaker for the American Cancer Society, a volunteer for Aids/Atlanta and an actor and director for the South Bend Civic Theatre. John was a Board Member and Mentor of the Scholarship Foundation of St. Joseph County and a board member of the South Bend Education Foundation.

John wants to thank the friends and former students who have invited him into their families, sharing the lives of their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. These children enriched and delighted John as he watched them explore the world, learning about life and love while giving him faith in the future of the world. These dear ones include: Layne Agee, Elena and Meara Batusik, Alex and Emily Bowman, Jordon, Cameron and Caleb Conrad, Ashlee and Logan Cook, Nicole Dunne Meunier, LeeAndra, Eliana and Nathan Fouts, and Katie and Madison Law.

Funeral Services will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Scholarship Foundation of St. Joseph County, 3515 N. Main Street, Suite C, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or The South Bend Education Foundation, P.O. Box 119, 215 South St. Joseph Street, South Bend, IN 46624.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Oct. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Toth

Sponsored by Kaniewski Funeral Home - South Bend.

7 Entries

Jackson

March 1, 2020

I am so shocked to hear about Dr. Toth. I was a student of his, back in Atlanta, at McNair High school in the last years before his retirement. He was a special man and I am glad I was blessed to be a student of his.

Carlos Morales-Prince

February 27, 2020

Hi my name is Carlos Prince and Dr. Toth was my senior English teacher at Ronald E. McNair high school in Atlanta, Georgia during the 1998-1999 school year. I have searched for Dr. Toth online for years in hopes that I might have the opportunity to thank him ... He kept me in line at a time when I didnt want to be (sometimes with a little scolding and a lot of patience ) and made sure that I graduated on schedule (by allowing me, on occasion, to turn in my assignments after they were due) I believe it was because he saw something in me that I didnt see in myself...and for that, I am eternally grateful. One of the best memories I have of him is a story where he explained why he left a job as a college professor (At Agony Spot...I mean Agnes Scott) and took a much lower paying job in the rougher end of DeKalb county. He truly loved teaching and he loved the people that he taught. It is a blessing and an honor to have been under the tutelage of such a brilliant and distinguished man. May God continue to comfort his family and friends during the healing process and may he continue rest peacefully in Gods Hands...Dr. Toth you are loved and greatly missed! ❤

John Dunne

October 28, 2019

John and I became roommates in 1960 after becoming friends during the Catholic University production of Barabbas. I played Jesus. John played one of my apostles. It would be the only time that I would outrank Dr. Toth.

For years, John would come to my New York home to spend Christmas with our family. We were, once again, roommates.

On Thanksgiving, 2018, John gathered his strength, and joined my family and his close friends for what he called a final goodbye. It would prove to be the last time I would see my roommate.

John faced the last difficult years of his life courageously. He is in a better place now. His life has not ended. It has simply changed. And, if he needs a roommatewhen my time comes, we can pick up where we left off.

John Dunne

October 23, 2019

John is a dear friend for 58 years, and both Larry and I had the most wonderful time with him on the last day of his earthly life. Larry sang to him and I spoke to him of so many friends, experiences and memories in our past. He couldn't respond except thru a nod, but I finally simply said I Love You and my John turned to look into my eyes, and with great effort he quietly said I Love You, which meant everything to me. May the angels lead you into paradise John, and we shall meet on the other side one of these days.

Eunice Glosson

October 20, 2019

I am so fortunate to have known a John and to have worked with him in several theatrical productions, including Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. He went on to make his interpretation of Albee's character of George legendary in many many more productions. I will always treasure trodding the boards with this lovely man and generous actor.

Ted Manier

October 20, 2019

John was a wonderful actor and sweet man to be around. My wife and I met working on a show in 1985 where we were in the chorus and John had one of the lead roles. His joyful spirit helped make that a special show, and we will always think of him when we remember how we met. If local theaters had an equivalent to the dimming of the lights on Broadway at the passing of a legend, those lights would be dimming now for John. Farewell, my friend.

Nancy TenBroeck

October 19, 2019

John and I taught together at IUSB. He was an inspiring teacher, director, and friend. We met in 1971 and have been friends ever since. I revisited South Bend 25in August and was able to visit with him then. I am so glad that I did. I will miss John W.very much.

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