David Michael Toth, age 79, died at his home in Ocean City, NJ – with his wife, Linda, by his side – on Saturday, December 25th, 2021.
Born in South Bend, Indiana, Dave grew up there and in Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated from Marquette University, enlisted in the Marines and was a Captain in the Vietnam War. He then spent his entire professional career working as an IT specialist for Conrail in Philadelphia – raising his family in Bensalem, PA. While relocating to Ocean City, NJ – where the family had vacationed for years – Dave’s decades of hard work paid off and he retired early.
Dave was: a boxer; a Marine; a baseball coach; a sailor; a windsurfer; a motorcyclist; a gym goer; a guitarist; an “I’ll fix it” guy; a fisherman; a martini drinker and a pilot. Instead of saying, “Have a great day…,” he said, “Make it a great day!” Dave followed The Golden Rule and instilled the importance of it in his children. He was a man of few words whose actions spoke volumes.
Above all else, he was a devoted partner to the love of his life, Linda. They met at Tony Mart’s bar in Somers Point, NJ (she was drawn to his broad shoulders and flat top haircut) and decided a week later that they were going to marry. Dave and Linda celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2018 at Fourways Inn in Bermuda – their other happy place.
Though many of his best memories happened at “the shore,” Dave did not enjoy sand or the crowds at the beach. He was most content on the water – whether the wind was strong or weak, the fish biting or hiding.
Despite sparring with cancer for 23 years, Dave lived a truly full and brave life.
Survivors include: wife, Linda K. Toth (nee Keller); sister, Donna (George) Mareina; daughter, Christina Parker (Rob); son, Peter Toth (Maura) and grandchildren: Andrew and Jamie Parker; and Vivian, Evelyn and Peter Toth II. Dave was preceded in death by his father, Leo A. Toth and by his mother, Betty Toth.
We will miss him intensely and live the rest of our days in ways that would make him proud.
If you’d like to make a memorial donation, consider supporting the Semper Fi Fund at www.semperfifund.org.
In lieu of holding a funeral service, the family welcomes the sharing of your memories of Dave at a time and place that feels right.
For condolences to the family, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com
