Obituary of Michael Antonio Toto

Michael Antonio “Michele” Toto, 91, of Lawrenceville, NJ passed away at home peacefully on Thursday, December 1, 2022. Born in Pettoranello del Molise, Italy he immigrated to the United States in 1958.  He was a resident of Princeton, NJ for over 45 years before he moved to Lawrenceville in 2004.  He worked for Princeton University’s athletic department prior to his role as head groundskeeper at Stuart Country Day School for over 20 years.  Michael developed his skill and passion for gardening and beautifying landscapes in Italy where he also pursued a diploma in agriculture.  He was proud of his Italian roots and it showed in what he loved to do from dancing, listening to opera and Italian love songs, and reading Italian classics to his interests in history and sharing stories about his life in Italy. He valued education and loved to learn about people’s life experiences. His time in Princeton was the perfect place to sustain his curiosities.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and living a simple life, growing his garden wherever he was, and knowing that God was steering his path. Michael was a member of St. Paul’s Church where he served as an usher for over 15 years and a volunteer lector for Italian masses. He was also a member of the Roma-Eterna Lodge.

Son of the late Giovanni and Venezia (Ruberto) Toto, brother of the late Riccardo Toto, Evelina Toto, Gilda Toto, brother-in-law of the late Camillo Pirone, Giuseppe Toto, and Berardino Toto, he is survived by his loving wife Angelina (Rossi) Toto of 67 years, son Fernando Toto and daughter-in-law Rose, daughter Anna Marie Toto, and son Piero Toto and daughter-in-law  Felicity, granddaughter Julia Chandler Toto, two brothers and sisters-in-law Camillo and Cristina Toto, Silvio and Clara Toto, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws, Elvira Toto, Maria Pirone, Antoinetta and Jack Niper, Hugo and Mary Jane Rossi, Luciano and Laura Rossi and many nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren.

A heartfelt thank you to Michael’s family and friendship circle for their love and support especially during his most difficult times over the past eight months.  Also, a special thank you to his medical team and Embracing Hospice Care aids, Richard and Mirka, for their excellent daily care of Michael.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am on Thursday, December 8, 2022, St. Paul’s Church 216 Nassau Street, Princeton. Burial will follow in the Princeton Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10am until the time of the mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greater New Jersey Alzheimer’s Association.