Obituary of Gordon E. Toland

Gordon E. Toland Gordon E. Toland, age 75, of Girard, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 24, 2017, at his residence surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Erie on April 23, 1941, the son of the late Robert and Helen Mack Toland. Gordon leaves behind his wife Cynthia Zukowski Stadler Toland whom he married in 2006. Also surviving is a son Daniel Toland of Gahanna, OH, step children; Carl Stadler (Maggie) of Leechburg, PA, Michael Stadler (Jacque) of Friendswood, TX, and Gina Wyant (Robert) of Adamsville, PA., his grandchildren: Jack Toland, Alex, Justin, Samantha, Garrett, and Evan Stadler, Matthew Black and Becca Wyant. He was a friend to all he met and will be greatly missed by his special friends; Bo, Spirit, and Oscar. Gordy enjoyed dogs, horses, farm tractors, heavy equipment, and the great outdoors. He relished the opportunity to share his knowledge of farming or technical skills with anyone who would listen., He was a master tool and die maker; learning the trade in a family business; at one time overseeing Toland Tool and Die that produced molds for many Erie factories including Marx Toys. In addition, he worked for many industries in the Erie and surrounding areas that produced injected mold products. For several years, he drove a school bus for the Northwestern School District. He was the VP of the Francis Cemetery Association in Franklin Twp. He was instrumental in helping construct Gospel Hill Golf Course on Reese Rd. in Harborcreek Twp., where he gained his love of heavy equipment. In retirement, he was a passionate farmer where he shared his love with all who would help him toss bales of hay. His garage domain kept him busy tinkering on tractors, antique wagons, taking proper care of tools, and having friends and family gather to share a few cold ones. The local birds enjoyed being well fed with seed, bread, and suet. Watching for local deer and wildlife on summer evenings were always times to cherish. The twenty-acre farm was his heaven on Earth. Being a man of faith who put the Lord before all else, please join the family to celebrate his life at his parish, Our Lady of Peace, 2401 West 38th Street, Erie, PA 16506 on Monday, March 27, 2017 from 9 a.m. until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Private interment at Francis Cemetery. The family wishes to express their thanks for the wonderful care provided by the VNA Hospice, so in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice “Wish Granting Program”, 2253 West Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16506. All arrangements were handled by the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd., Erie, PA 16506.