Lee John Tolaro's Obituary
Lee John Tolaro, age 90, of Avon Lake, passed away January 31, 2020. Loving husband of 65 years to Carole E. (nee Spring): devoted father of John (Mary) Tolaro, and Lisa (John) Sizer; cherished grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of 7; dear brother of Mary Ann, the late Irene and Alfred and many more loving family and friends who will miss him greatly.
The family will receive guests Thursday, February 6th from 11 AM until time of Lee’s Memorial Service at 12 Noon in the Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, 6245 Columbia Rd. North Olmsted. Burial at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in Lee’s name to Alzheimer's Association, 37309 Harvest Dr, Avon, OH 44011.
Lee made everyone feel warm and welcomed with his hospitable heart and famous delicious pancakes he made for anyone and everyone. His light-hearted approach to life, always laughing and kidding around, brought much joy to those who knew him. He was hard-working, his hands rarely ever held still, he would be working in the yard, around the house or helping others all the time. He was so deeply loving, he took care of his family so well, never asking for praise or anything in return. You could always find him on the sun porch playing dominoes with his grandkids, or working in the garage on a project for his daughter, sitting at the counter drinking crown royal with his son, or standing in the kitchen being playful with his wife. This man never went a day without showing love & kindness to those around him, even to his very last breath.
There you were, tool in hand, cigar in your mouth, and a smile on your face as I pulled in the driveway. You were the go-to man, whenever I had a question about my car. You’d explain how something worked. Taught me how to check my oil, change a tire, and what to do if my engine light came on. (Which you said it shouldn’t, because you helped me pick out a great car.) You’d suggest we wash it together, always wanting to see it sparkling clean. Teaching me how to care for it so that it’d last a long time. Anything I needed to know about cars, I asked you.
You loved projects and Mom always had one for you. Whether it was fixing a door, building a shelf, or messing with the wiring - you were the go-to man. You happily fixed and sawed, glued and nailed, a hum in your throat and a tool belt around your waist. Whenever there was a project to be done, we could always count on you. Never a complaint, just hands that were able to do it all.
The thing about go-to men, is they’re far and few in between. You were one of a kind, the most thoughtful and humble father and grandfather. You loved being useful and put to work. You loved the joy it brought to us. You enjoyed sharing your plethora of knowledge to any grandkids that would listen. You took pride in your work and you instilled that in others. The thing about go-to men is when they’re gone, they leave behind the one thing they can’t fix. Broken hearts. Thank you for all the years you gave us, the love you shared, the hard work, the life lessons, and yes.. the pancakes.
Love your granddaughter, Rebekah
As I write this, I grieve over the loss of a great man. His name is Lee Tolaro. We first met when I was nineteen and his daughter was sixteen. I did not endear myself to him at the time, seeing that I made him a grandfather without sticking around myself. Well, I managed to get my life together two years later and he gave me a chance. (after I made him a grandfather to be again) I became his son-in-law and he has been my dad for the last 36 years. He is a retired electrician that seemed to be able to fix anything. I saw him last weekend at the nursing facility. He was laying in his bed peacefully with his hands on his chest. I looked at his hands, they always seemed so big... I watched those hands show me how to do a brake job days after I got married. I watched them hang ceiling fans, hang shelves and wire outlets. He could fix anything.... But, most of all, I watched those hands care for his family. They were always open to holding a baby, play a game, carve a turkey or make his famous pancakes! He always had a smile and a handshake waiting for you. As I reflect now, it is not so much his hands but his heart that is so big. He opened up his life to a young lad who thought he knew everything (I actually knew little) and changed him forever. Dad, thanks for giving me a chance. Love, your son-in-law, John (Sizer)
Afterglow
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
What’s your fondest memory of Lee?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lee?
Share a story where Lee's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lee you’ll never forget.
How did Lee make you smile?
