Toner (Tony) Joseph Colton

Toner (Tony) Joseph Colton, age 17, of Sarasota, FL passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 30, 2017. Tony was born on October 18, 1999 in Tampa, FL. He was a senior at Sarasota Christian School. He was a member of: Odyssey of the Minds while attending Brentwood Elementary, McIntosh Middle and Sarasota Christian School; he served on the Advisory Board at All Children’s Hospital and volunteered for 6 years as the spokesperson for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. He was also involved with the Junior National Society, as Vice President. Tony began ‘founding’ the New Outlook Foundation-which he created in October 2016. The organization serves as a gateway for communication for children newly diagnosed with cancer, connecting them with other foundations and resources. Through the kindness and generosity of all those that knew and supported Tony, his dream of establishing this foundation will develop under the leadership of the Ryan Callahan Foundation (www.ryancallahanfoundation.org)

Tony lobbied on Capitol Hill to advocate for more research and funding for pediatric cancers in July, 2014; he served as a Spokesperson for Cure Fest in Washington D.C. Sept. 2014; he was a pediatric representative for Dick Vitale Gala in Sarasota, FL 2014-2017; he was a speaker for All Children’s Hospital Miracle Ball 2015 & 2017; a recipient of the Sneaker Soiree Sports Community Hero Award in June, 2015; he was a recipient of the Lightening Community Hero Award in 2016; he received 50K in charitable funds towards 3 foundations of his choice: the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, All Children’s Hospital, and Sarasota Christian School; he participated in Coop’s Catch for Kids Charity in October, 2016; founded by Coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning; he was active in the Sarasota County Commerce Leadership Programs 2016-17; a recipient of the Omer’s Award at the Odyssey of the Minds World Competition, May 2017; a recipient of the Anne Frank Humanitarian award received at the Holocaust Museum, May, 2017; Sarasota Christian School Yearbook dedication and recognition May, 2017; he worked as a Camp Counselor at Lakewood Retreat Camp; and participated in mission trips to West VA and Haiti, and numerous local outreach activities in his community; and assisted at Vacation Bible School 2013-17.

Tony is survived by his beloved mother, Connie J. Colton of Sarasota, FL; loving siblings, Michelle Hiering-Colton of Crystal River, FL; Tamarasue and Timothy Dobner, Alena Colton, Deanna and Blake Groninger and Brendon Colton all of Sarasota; cherished grandmother, Athelene Colton of Sarasota, FL and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Lewis Colton.

A visitation for Tony will be held Friday, August 4, 2017 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Palms-Robarts Funeral Home, 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34232. A Celebration of Life Service will occur Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Bahia Vista Mennonite Church, 4041 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34232.

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations may be made to: the Ryan Callahan Foundation (www.ryancallahanfoundation.org), c/o Tony Colton, ear-marking the gift for The New Outlook Foundation development fund, The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (www.nationalpcf.org) or, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, P.O. BOX 3142, St. Petersburg, FL 33731-3142, c/o Toner Colton Cancer and Blood Disease Information.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the Colton family.