Anthony J. Toto Jr. 1953-2021

Anthony was born Jan. 29, 1953, in Youngstown, to Anthony Joseph Toto and Carmel Mele Toto. He was raised in the nearby town of Niles and attended Niles McKinley High School. As an adult, he lived in the Youngstown area, and briefly in Matthews, N.C., before relocating to Mesa in 2011.

Anthony’s careers were many and varied. One of his earliest jobs was working for Conrail. He went on to sell cars, vacuums, and men’s suits, worked as a security guard, and ultimately became a phlebotomist. His preferred way to earn a living, however, was playing music in bands.

Anthony began playing the guitar when he was 12-years-old, while recovering from a broken leg. His passion for the instrument continued throughout his life. He was a member of several bands that performed throughout the Youngstown area, including Trinity, Freelance, Ultrasound and Woodwork. In his later years, Anthony remained devoted to music, spending much of his time tinkering with his guitars, recording original songs, and listening to his favorite bands. He was an excellent cook, celebrated among family members for his spinach raisin pizza.

Anthony was also a seeker. His thoughts were often on the spiritual, and he endeavored to understand the world in all its complexities. He was known for his gregariousness and made friends wherever he went.

Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Vincent Toto.

He is survived by his children, Erika Krispinsky (Brian) of Chandler, Ariz. and Adrian Toto (Joanna) of Claremont, Calif.; grandchildren, Steven Toto, Jade Krispinsky and Santino Toto; nephews: Joseph Toto and Michael Toto; and former wife and close friend, Judith Horner.

A virtual celebration of Anthony’s life will be held Sunday, March 21, 2021, at 3 p.m. EST. Please email anthonytotofuneral@gmail.com for information on how to attend.

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