November 14, 1940 - February 5, 2015
James Russell Toto passed away peacefully in his home with his wife Vivian and daughter Beth on February 5th 2015 from complications of pneumonia after a three and a half year battle with lung cancer.
Born in Rochester N.Y., of Italian decent, he grew up with his cousin Patsi McKenna and later sister Gail. Both families later moved to Glendale California where they continued sharing school and church, living in adjoining duplexes. As a young teen, his father introduced him to the automobile when he arrived home with a beat up 1950 Chevy. His start in the "Hot Rod" rebuilding took him to owning and selling over fifty automobiles.
Always driven, his fierce work ethic landed him a stint in an Italian restaurant where he served famous clients, the likes of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and others. This afforded his home and the ability to provide and support his new family.
His direction turned when he was offered a position as a mechanic in an envelope manufacturing plant. He developed an astute knowledge and skill for all models and quickly moved up the ranks from Forman to assisting in development and setting up new plants, until he opened his own company - Envelope Manufacturing Supply Company.
He joined Envelope Manufactures Association and achieved to be one of the most sought after salesman in the industry. He traveled worldwide, dealing with international clienteles from Asia to Europe buying and selling envelope manufacturing machines. During those years, he raised two stepchildren as his own, providing fatherhood, education, and assisting in purchase of their first home to start their own family. His business flourished and his contact with people allowed him to financially help several start-up companies. Those relationships remained significant to this day.
As his father before him, James golfed avidly, and joined the Masons. Later, he became a member of the Shriners. He loved flying and was a pilot for 30+ years. He owned several airplanes and was able to use his planes and his skills to provide medical aid to less fortunate people by providing the Shriners with transportation to various impoverished areas in the United States and Mexico.
His philanthropic activities did not end there, his church affiliations allowed him to provide funds and installation of much needed electrical systems. Jim, as his friends knew him, was passionate about all his interests whether it is culinary skills, flying, golf or marriages.
Husband to his wife Vivian, father to his daughter Beth Nunn, grandfather to Jillian Nunn, brother to his sister Gail Ryan, and cousin to Patsy McKenna including nephews, nieces, cousins, dear friends, business associates and at least two ex-wives. He will be missed by all.
A Masonic ceremony will be held February 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge in Glendora California following will be a reception at his home. Sincere gratitude to City of Hope's Dr. Koczywas and staff, Dr. Jose Rodriguez, Dr. Sri Gorty and staff, and Community Care Hospice of Glendora who gave guidance, assistance, and love.
Published in the Los Angeles Times from Feb. 10 to Feb. 15, 2015
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