Michael A. Toneff

Michael A. Toneff, 88, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at The Gardens of St. Francis. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on November 26, 1934 to Peter and Alice (Davidson) Toneff.  Michael served in the National Guard and worked as a Machinist at Prestole Tool & Die in East Toledo.  He owned The Walbridge Barbershop, retiring in 2018. He was a member of the Genoa Masonic Lodge 433, Zenobia Shriners, and was a founding member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Northwood, Ohio.  

Michael’s true passion was music.  He was a renowned trumpeter in the Toledo area, recognized for his musicality and improvisation.  He played with several local bands, including the American Legion Post 324, the Owens Community Band and The Deutchmeister Band. Michael especially loved performing with the Deutchmeister Band at the German American Festival in Oregon, Ohio. Michael performed nationally and internationally.  He traveled several times to Germany with the Deutchmeister Band.  His love for Dixieland Jazz took him to New Orleans. While Michael’s primary instrument was the trumpet, he also played trombone, piano, string bass, banjo, and drums.  

Michael is survived by his daughters, Julia (Pete) Kohler, Glenda (Craig) Cotner; son-in-law, Mark Beck; Grandchildren; Erin (Ryan) Szepiela, Anthony (Brittney) Beck, Emilie Kohler (J.D. Herndon), Andrew Hathaway, Trent (Ashley) Hathaway, Alison (Mike) Galloway; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Warren Tonoff; and dear friend, Judith Sloan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole; and daughter, Michelle Beck.

Private funeral services were held. Expressions of sympathy in Michael’s name may be directed to Calvary Lutheran Church, 1930 Bradner Road, Northwood, Ohio 43619.  Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.