Donald J. Tosi

EAST MONTPELIER - Donald J. Tosi, 86, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Throughout his brief illness he had a positive attitude and was more worried about his family and how they were coping.

Born on June 12, 1938, in Barre, VT to Giacomo and Gioconda Tosi, he was the youngest of 8 children. He grew up on the North End of Barre and attended Ward 5 School. He was a graduate of Spaulding High School, class of 1956. Later in his life he was an active member of the Spaulding Alumni and helped plan many reunions throughout the years with his classmates.

After graduation, Donald enlisted in the Navy. He served aboard the USS Randolph CVA-15 Aircraft Carrier from January 19, 1958 - October 12, 1959. He was aboard for two Mediterranean Tours that brought him to Gibraltar, Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Sicily.

He was also stationed at Lakehurst U.S. Naval Air Force Station in NJ. and was involved with the flight testing of the air ships. He was honorably discharged in 1960.

Once out of the Navy, Donald met Sylvia Menard. Donald and Sylvia were married on August 11,1962 at St. Edwards Church in Williamstown, VT. They lived for a short time in Barre, until they relocated to their new home in East Montpelier, VT where they raised their five children.

Every year Donald and Sylvia packed up the family and would spend a week in Wells, ME. This became a family tradition that still happens to this day.

Donald worked at Capitol City Press for 40 years. He started as a typesetter and worked at many positions, the last being a Composition Coordinator. He loved his job and co-workers in the different locations he worked at, the last one being at the Wall Street Complex in Barre, VT. He retired at the age of 65.

Throughout their marriage, Donald and Sylvia were active members within the Catholic church and were recognized for 50 years of marriage in Burlington, VT by Bishop Matano.

Donald was a lifelong parishioner at St. Monica’s Parish. During that time, he became involved with the Knights of Columbus to the level of the Third Degree. He also helped out within the church during masses as an Usher.

Donald had a passion for sports and was instrumental in developing youth sports programs in East Montpelier. He would have Saturday morning open gym for basketball and was involved in the upstart of the Little League program. Along with this, he and other community members helped to designate a field complex for these activities. He was also involved in Cub Scouts with his sons and received an appreciation award for his service.

Once their children were at U-32, Donald became involved in the Boosters Club and was always on the sidelines cheering on the Cross-country running teams that Jeff, Steve, Greg and Marcia were part of, along with supporting his daughter Laurie being involved in gymnastics.

Donald was also the biggest fan in the stands or on the sidelines for all his grandchildren's sports. He was always there to root them on.   Donald was known for his fun quotes with family and friends. His  favorites being…”What can I Say?”, “Wake up and have a cup of coffee”, “Who are you?” and “NO crying in baseball”!

He was a forever New York Yankee Fan, his favorite player being Mickey Mantle. Donald wore his Yankee hat proudly and would stop and have conversations with anyone who made mention of it. He also loved to talk about the rivalry with the Boston Red Sox. Other hobbies included feeding the birds in the wintertime and chasing the squirrels away!

After his loving wife of 50 years passed away, he needed to find ways to fill his time, and because of his love of baseball, became a volunteer at the Vermont Mountaineers.  He worked at the ticket counter and enjoyed greeting people. It is during this time he was lucky enough to meet Sue (Morse) Shattuck at a Mountaineers game, as a result of her son Jacob and his son Greg being lifelong friends. Donald and Sue were partners for the last 10 years. They had many adventures together going to their favorite restaurants, to the shade of their favorite tree at Crystal Lake, treks out on wooded trails with Sue’s Augie-mobile, and traveling all over the back roads of Vermont and beyond.  Both became part of each other's families.

Survivors include his partner Sue (Morse) Shattuck, his children and their spouses Jeffrey Tosi and his wife, Donna of Vernon, VT; Laurie Mekkelsen and her husband, Bruce of East Montpelier, VT; Steven Tosi and his wife, Tracy of Sidney, ME; Gregory Tosi and his wife, Erin of Portland, ME, and Marcia Tosi of Farmington, ME; as well as 14 grandchildren Kayla, Trevor, and Italia Tosi; Olivia, Ashley, Jenna, and John Mekkelsen; Christopher and Elizabeth Tosi; Jacob and Lauren Tosi, and Madison, Ethan, and Natalie Dulac; and 3 great-grandchildren Maiya, Kolbie, and Colsen. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Donald was predeceased by his wife Sylvia, and siblings Elmo, Alfred, Nelson, James, Donato, Gloria and Gladys.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer Street, Barre.  Interment will be made in St. Sylvester Cemetery in Barre Town in the Spring.   There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Mountaineers, PO Box 586, Montpelier, VT 05601.