Community Profile: Toscano honored by Hospice vets
by Janine Giordano |
jgiordano@rsmercury.com | | Michael Toscano, center, is joined by Gary Kehoe, left, and John Davidson, right, to commemorate Tuscano’s years of service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Tuscano was awarded a certificate of appreciation and a gold pin in honor of his efforts. (Photo submitted) | |
It was a quiet recognition, void of hoopla and filled with dignity. There were no flashing cameras, no cheering crowds, no speeches at the podium, no clinking glasses of cheer, no toasting. It was simple, straight forward and honest. It was filled with respect and done for all the right reasons. Because he earned it. Last week, at 76, in the comfort of his home on Center Street in Richfield Springs, with layers of peace and love blanketing him from the harsh realities of reality, Michael Toscano was honored for his military service completed during the Korean War over half a century ago. “It came at a good time,” said his daughter, Tricia Bourne. “It was a very good surprise. It made him happy,” said his wife, Dorothy Toscano. “I didn’t expect it,” Toscano said softly. “I was very happy to be awarded.” Already framed and hanging on the wall, the certificate reads: “In grateful recognition of our service to our country in the United States Army on behalf of Hospice Veterans Integrated Service Network 2 Partnership, Catskill Area Hospice.” That and a 24 karat gold pin were given to Toscano earlier in the week. “They don’t do that normally,” said Bourne, referring to the 24 karat gold pin. It’s been a full life, which his family described in laughter and fondness, speaking for the man battling pancreatic cancer while resting in his bed in the bedroom adjacent to the living room. Two years ago, Toscano was diagnosed with cancer. “He did good. He’s held on a long time,” Bourne said, nodding and smiling at her mom. A member of the Teamsters Local 445 and the American Legion Post 001 in Albany, Toscano has always worked hard, living a life that includes seven years of service in the military, owning his own trucking company, working 17 years with L.J. Kennedy driving tractor trailers, raising four kids and being married to the same woman for 55 years. In the living room are two wall hangings commemorating 25 and 50 years. ”It went so fast,” she said, recalling details that had all but faded from her memory until the other day. “We met on a blind date, can you believe it?” she asked, laughing. They met through her friend, Marjory, also his cousin. That chance meeting eventually led to their marriage, then their four children (Bob, Mike, Tricia and Kim), and now, 11 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, with one on the way. After meeting on Long Island, the two moved a bit, up and down the east coast, trying literal hot spots like Florida and North Carolina. They eventually wound up in Richfield Springs, where they have lived for the last seven years. Their children all live relatively close, with Bob and Tricia living in Richfield Springs, Mike residing in Burlington Flats, and Kim living in Deansboro. Shared memories paint a picture of warm and close family. As they sat around reminiscing, they laughed some more, with recollections of happier days providing an escape for the moment. The reality of working with the Hospice nurse earlier in the day was replaced, for the moment at least, with recollections of family outings to Darien Lake, “just this last summer,” Tricia said. Other vacations included the Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain, the water park at Old Forge, Disney World and Dolly World. “He loves the rides,” Tricia added. “He is a fun kinda grampa,” Tricia said, smiling. “He’s always there fixing the kids’ cars.”
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