John Howard Toelk

John Howard Toelk was born in New York City on Columbus Day, October 12, 1959, the third son and fourth child of Evelyn and Leonard G. Toelk. Sadly, John passed away on Memorial weekend, May 29, 2021 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY after fighting through irreversible illness. Johnny was unique in every way. He first grew up in the Lower East Side of NYC where he attended P.S.63 and actively attended Sunday school and services at Middle Collegiate Church on 7th Street and 2nd Avenue. When he turned eight, his parents moved to the warm and family-oriented neighborhood of Ridgewood, Queens in NY and it was there that Johnny made friendships filled with warmth and great humor which lasted throughout his lifetime. It was there, in Grover Cleveland Park, that Johnny played competitive baseball on sunny afternoons and gentle summer evenings. John was a “man of many hats”. He enjoyed cooking and preparing meats and specialty foods for the local butcher shop. He did many types of construction, moving, and furniture delivery jobs. In his last years, John drove for a livery service in Gloversville, NY where he was popular with his many regular clients and co-workers. But, perhaps his most favorite position in a lifetime was working at the Beacon Theatre in NYC and the West Side Pier. It was his favorite because there, he was able to experience the great rock bands of the day, meet the artists, and actually bring friends to the shows for free, even allowing them backstage. John’s interests were many and varied. He loved exotic animals and had a collection of these including a giant tortoise, which he raised from a tiny “25 cent, 2-inch baby” right up until it was a huge one foot high and one-and-a-half-foot long creature with assorted colorful markings and bumps all over its shell. It would mosey around the apartment like one of the family. He loved beautiful birds and owned two precious parrots; one was a brightly, multicolored fellow that just flew into the neighborhood one afternoon; and the other, an African Gray named Buddy who died just two weeks before John. His Tropical fish collection was extraordinary and for years he served as an administrator for the FB Group: “Cichlids, Cichlids and more Cichlids”. John was a “green thumb” extraordinaire. His apartment was filled with bright and beautiful, thriving greenery. In spring, with the help of his Joann, he would excitedly begin his outdoor summer planting of peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Johnny also loved to fish whenever presented with such an opportunity. It must have reminded him of those days when his own father would take him down to Coney Island to go fishing and crabbing. Though they may never know this: John was probably one of the biggest fans of the Bronx Bombers that ever lived! His collection of Yankee memorabilia was everywhere, decorating all the walls in the den and furniture in the living room. He loved them Yankees! John’s love of music persisted throughout his entire life. His favorite band? … The Grateful Dead! John was just a hilarious guy with the biggest love for life you can imagine! It showed in his face, his smile, and by the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. The love of John’s life and his best friend is Joann Cole. They did everything together. She was “His Heart”, as he often reminded us all. They were a team and worked together on almost everything. “Dear Johnny, there was no one like you and no person will ever come close to having the kind of generosity of heart, thoughtfulness and totally amazing sense of hilarity that you brought to everyone who ever knew you. With tears we say our “goodbyes”. Now, John, take your well-earned rest. We all look forward to meeting with you one day again in that peaceful place beyond the clouds. We send our love to you who brought so much joy to us.” Johnny is survived by his only sister, Evelyn Toelk Neber; his Special Lady, Joann Cole, whom he loved and cared for; four nieces, Veronica Garbarino, Jeanmarie Tagliarieni, Lisl McClellan, and Beth Schnurr; three nephews, Richard Donato, Scott Toelk and Manfred Neber; seven great- nephews; two great-nieces; and many dear cousins.. He will be sorely missed by his myriad of true friends who loved his endearing sense of humor and honest concern for each and every one of them. Cremation was performed by Park View Crematorium, Schenectady. Services will be held by the family at a later date. Arrangements are by the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc. 111 County Highway 106 Johnstown.

John Howard Toelk

October 12, 1959 - May 29, 2021

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John Howard Toelk

October 12, 1959 - May 29, 2021

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support