Martin John Toole

Martin John Toole, 65, of Preston Hollow, eldest child of Lucille Mary and Martin John Toole passed peacefully at home on Monday, October 31. Marty navigated, and valiantly fought, a rare cancer for the past 7 years. He provided hope for others with this rare cancer, however, by participating in several clinical research trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center during that time. Marty was a devoted husband and father, and beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He was born in Binghamton, NY, graduated from Suffern HS in Suffern, NY (1969), was a scholarship athlete (wrestling) at the University of Connecticut (BA, English and Communications, 1973) and received a Juris Doctor from Atlanta’s Woodrow Wilson College of Law (1979). Marty’s passion for music inspired him to pursue a career in media, starting out as a DJ in college and then working with WTIC AM/FM/TV in Hartford, CT (Copywriter-Creative, 1973-1974). He transitioned into media marketing as an Account Executive with WHCN in Hartford (1974-1977). Marty's illustrious career spanned across many years and states working for The Arbitron Company (SE Sales Manager 1977-1980; NY and Atlanta), John Blair & Company (Director of Sales, 1980 -1989; NY, Houston and Dallas), Katz Media Group (Director of Sales 1989 – 2000; Dallas) and most recently for National Cable Communications (2001-2016, Dallas), as National Sales Manager Agency Services from where he retired in June of this year. His colleagues will remember him as a tenacious, hard worker, a mentor, and someone for whom his word was his bond. Marty was forever active - living each day to its fullest - skiing, cycling, playing golf and racquetball. His passion for sports piloted him to his favorite avocation, for which he was, perhaps, best known in the Dallas community: a referee for both high school football and basketball. Marty delighted in donning the black and white and refereed one of his last games as recently as September. He is survived by his wife Vivian, his sisters Nancy Saint Lawrence and Nora Daly, and his brother Laurence Toole. He was preceded in death by his son Jahn Martin Toole. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 11th at 10:00 am at Christ the King Church, University Park. The Visitation and Memorial Vigil will be held at the Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home on Thursday evening, November 10th, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, mourners are asked to contribute to Urachal Adenocarcinoma Research. Memorial donations in memory of Martin J. Toole, can be made via check or online: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Arlene Siefker-Radtke c/o Jennifer Jung, GU Medical Oncology, 1155 Pressler St., Unit 1374, Houston, Tx. 77030 or online at https://gifts.mdanderson.org/mdanderson/main.php/micro_sites/showpage/id/188/page_number/1