John O. Toscano

Born June 18, 1931, in Buffalo, NY. Son of Italian immigrants Onofrio and Mary (nee Manascalco) Toscano.

Resident of Buffalo, NY for 46 years, Kenmore, Town of Tonawanda for 45 years, and recently of Williamsville, NY.

A true self-made man…

Murphy was a true child of the “Great Depression” as early as preschool age he was shining shoes and selling newspapers on the streets of Buffalo as well as picking beans on the farm with his mother and siblings to help his family make ends meet. He did not finish high school, instead he was truly educated on the streets of Buffalo and would tell people he went to the school of Hard Knocks. As a teenager he held such positions as a bus boy at the Chez Ami Lounge. In 1950, he began what would be his life’s career in the construction industry, working for different companies for over 17 years as a laborer at first and later as a superintendent over that time. In 1967, Murphy co-founded Freeway Contracting Co., Inc., a heavy civil construction company, and was one of the firm’s four principals. He enjoyed much success with Freeway until he retired in 1988. Murphy also retired from Laborers Local 210.

Loving Husband, Father, and Family Man…

Murphy married his true love, the late Marie (nee Loffredo) in 1951. They enjoyed a beautiful marriage of 54 years and together they had seven children and scores of grandchildren that were adored. He championed the role of primary caregiver for his wife when she fell ill for many years until her passing.

Loving father of Barb (Tom) Parana, Diane (Gerry) Huard, Loraine (the late Tony) Grasso, Maria (Gerry) DiMatteo, Janet (Kevin) O'Leary, John (Mary Jo) Toscano and Jackie (Shawn) Covell.

Adored Poppie of 24 grandchildren; Christopher (Dawn) Parana, Micheal (Colleen) Parana, Adam Huard (Katie Enderle), the late Justin Huard, Shannon (Josh) Gallagher, Noah (Jessica) Huard, Niki Huard (Matt Peters), Sherilyn Huard, Erika (Liz) Henderson, Michelle (Mike) Nucci, Tony (Stacy) Grasso, Brian (Amy) Grasso, Molly (Ian) McCrohan, Leah (Jeff) Fingerlow, Jacob DiMatteo ( fiancé Courtney Beach), Emily ( fiancé Stephen Yang), Jenny (fiancé Adam Bossy), the late Tess O’Leary, Rosaryanne (Mark) Ramsay, Jessica Toscano (Brian Holvey), Nicholas Toscano, Dominic Toscano (Ceci Giallella), Stephanie Sly (Kyle Robson), and Samantha Sly.

Dear Papa Murph to 28 and counting great grandchildren: Emma Parana, Alex Parana, Addie Parana, Leo Huard, Nick Gallagher, Josh Gallagher, Phillip Gallagher, Everett Gallagher, Jordan Lugo, Scarlett Gallagher, Brody Huard, Ella Huard, Trexton Peters, Locksley Peters, Kesslin Peters, Rylaine Peters, Cassie Huard, Olivia Nucci, Dominic Nucci, Kayla Tomasello, Gianna Grasso, Ava Grasso, Dante Grasso, Emma Grasso, Hunter Grasso, Wren McCrohan, Cooper Fingerlow, Lochlan Robson, Juniper Robson, and 2 great-great grandchildren; Adeline Gallagher, and Grayson Gallagher.

Cherished brother of the late Josephine Toscano, Mary (Andy) (the late Jim) Collura, the late Sam (late Dolores) Toscano, the late Joe Toscano (Hilde), Frank (Shirley) Toscano Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Loving companion to Jean Robinson. Childhood and lifelong friend to Nick Bandenelli.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday May 23rd from 2-4pm & 6-8pm at PERNA, DENGLER, ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME 1671 Maple Rd. Williamsville, NY 14221. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday May 24th at 1pm at St. John the Baptist Church 1085 Englewood Ave. Tonawanda, NY 14223. Interment following mass at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 800 Pine Ridge Heritage Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14225.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to CurePSP at www.psp.org. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com.