Alexander L. Toia

Alexander L. Toia, 77, of Belle Vernon (Lynnwood) was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 11, 2006. He was the son of the late Frank and Lena Tallerico Toia. Alex was born on May 18, 1929. He was an only child and wed Mary Ann Sowko of Monessen on August 7, 1954. She went to be with the Lord in February 2005. After graduating from Belle Vernon in 1947, he went to work at the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Allenport plant. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and was called to active duty in the Korean War where he served his country until 1953. After being discharged, he was married and returned to work at the Allenport plant as a roll grinder. First and foremost, Alex loved his family; they include his eldest son Thomas Toia and his wife Cindy Hufford of North Huntingdon, younger son Gregory Toia and his daughter Lee Ann McDowell and her husband Timothy. Alex had 3 grandsons whom he was extremely proud of and loved very much; Joshua, Gregory Alexander and Samuel Alexander. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Matilda Stimmel of Bethel Park. It is important to note that Alex was an extremely loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and a best friend. He provided well for his family and was a source of strength and confidence. What he passed on to them will not be forgotten as life goes on as part of their character today. Second to his family, Alex had a love for football and spent years playing in high school and officiating. Alex loved attending the Belle Vernon High School football games. He was a member of the Mon Valley Golden Panthers and held season tickets to Pitt football for more than 30 years. He was a true Pitt fan in good times and bad. Third, Alex loved preparing income taxes which he did for 30 years. In addition to solving his client's tax problems, he loved conversing and joking with them. Alex was a life member of the N. Belle Vernon Fire Department and loved to play golf. Most importantly, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior shortly before being called home. This was the most important decision of his life. His family will look forward to being reunited with him in Heaven around the thrown of God, where they will give glory to God for all that He has done. Friends will be received Monday from 7 to 9 P.M. and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. in the Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremation Service, a Golden Rule Member Firm, www.fergusonfuneralhome.net, 724-929-5300, 700 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon. A blessing service will be in the funeral home on Wednesday at 10:30 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. in St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. On Tuesday at 3:00 P.M. the members of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church will meet in the funeral home to pray the rosary and the members of the North Belle Vernon Vol. Fire Department will meet to hold services at 7:00 P.M.

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Alexander L. Toia

May 18, 1929 - November 11, 2006