Jack Tosh Obituary


Jack Allen Tosh, 79, of Elmhurst. Beloved husband for 59 years of Benette "Bee"; loving father of Stephen (Diane) Tosh, Lisa (Clay) Parcells and Linda Tosh; cherished grandfather of Brett (Diana), Lauren
(Jason), Courtney, Sarah, Nicholas, Logan and Katrina; beloved brother of David (Dina) Tosh. He is also survived by his adoring pets, Seven and Addy.
He will be greatly missed by so many who loved and respected him. Jack grew up in Decatur, IL where he was an athlete at Decatur High School. He graduated with a master's degree from Northwestern University where he captained the baseball team. He started his teaching career in the late 50's at Evanston High School where he taught and coached football, basketball and baseball. In 1968 he
became the head basketball coach at DeKalb High School where his team finished 4th in state. He served as the Athletic Director at DeKalb High School before moving to York High School where he was Athletic Director until his retirement in 1990. The Jack Tosh York Holiday Basketball Classic was named in his honor. He is an honored member of the Illinois Basketball Coach's Hall of Fame since 1989 and received the Tom "Buzzy" O'Conner award in 2001. Jack was a 1st Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.
Visitation at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16 at York Community High School, Dick Campbell Gym, 355 W. St. Charles Rd., Elmhurst.
Private interment Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be appreciated for the Jack A. Tosh Memorial Fund to benefit high school student athletes and animal organizations.
Funeral info 630-834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com

Published by Suburban Life Publications on Feb. 23, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jack Tosh

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Decatur High School friend Blessings and Prayers Joyce Henry Brumaster! Remembering his Dear Sweet Mother Mary Tosh

Joyce Henry Brumaster

School

January 3, 2024

So sorry for your loss. Was Jack as much of a giant of a man as I remember him? He awed me. All of you will be in my thoughts.

cathy roberts

April 8, 2013

Bee, Steve, Lisa, Linda and families. Received a note from former classmate at DHS about your loss. Lot's of great memories of the first year in DeKalb. My parents always were fond of Jack and valued their friendship with you and your family. Please accept my condolences.

Greg Voreis

March 7, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the Tosh family. I played for coach Tosh on the DeKalb football team of fall of 1970. He was a great coach, leader and friend. Will always remember him.

Phil Chapman

March 3, 2013

Sorry for your loss. Mr.Tosh and I had a few good chats at DeKalb High in my days there.Most of wayward teenagers, Thanks Jack.

Steve Sulaver

February 27, 2013

My condolences to the family, I'm very sorry for your loss. He was the backfield coach for my football teams in 1969 and 1970. Coach Tosh was an inspiration as a coach; fair,even-tempered, witty and always the gentlemen. I'll never forget hearing him tell one of his running backs "Son, your running like you want to fall down!" Great times, great man.

Randy Sulaver

February 25, 2013

My condolences to the family. I had to "pleasure" of playing football and basketball for Coach Tosh in DeKalb. One of my fondest memories of high school was my sophomore year when he took DeKalb's team to East Aurora to win and then Champaign in the State Tournament. DeKalb in a state BASKETBALL tournament??

Mike Sulaver

February 23, 2013

Played football for coach Tosh in DeKalb 1970-1971. He was a great guy; fun and fair. I'll never forget that voice barking out "suggestions."

Steve Walt

February 22, 2013

Coach Tosh had a unique, magical blend of kindness and humor as his coaching style, and his players loved him....

Horace Parker

February 16, 2013

What do you say about a man that was your favorite coach? He was the role model we all hope our children have. He taught, coached and directed with dignity. He sincerely cared about his athletes and students. Thank you Coach Tosh, you are our HERO.

John Redding

February 16, 2013

Our family sent 6 children through York, all who had the pleasure and good fortune to know and interact with Jack. Even 35+ years later, he remembered all of us and was genuinely interested in our lives. Just an awesome man and he has left a great legacy to those of us who had the good fortune to have known him.
The Howarth Family

Howarth

February 16, 2013

Brad & Joanne Parcell's tribute says it all! A wonderful family man and friend and who touched uncountable lives. What an honor and privilege to have known. What an example and inspiration to us all. What a shock! What a loss...

Tom Allen

February 15, 2013

A legend in the State of Illinois. No one worked harder than Jack. I remember Jack welcoming every team to enter York for a contest. He made everyone feel welcome and he was the ultimate professional. I feel honored to have worked for Jack Tosh; he taught all of us a ton about life. A great man that has left a legacy of positive memories for many.

Paul Hoel

February 15, 2013

A credit to his profession and a friend
to all who knew him. I was priviledged
to play on teams he coached in football, basketball and baseball at ETHS in the 60's. He was one of the
kindest and most positive people I have
ever been associated with in sports and in life. Along with all of my teamates - I was blessed to have the opportunity to play for him, listen to him and be inspired by him. As he would say - "One of the all time greats". If only we had many many more like him to inspire young people
today.

Jay Monaghan

February 15, 2013

Very sorry to hear about Jack. He was a true gentleman, and a very respected individual not only in the ahletic community, but in evry aspect of life.

John Graham, Former Coach & A.D, at Mundelein H.S.

John Graham

February 14, 2013

I got to know Jack Tosh when I was a student-athlete at York HS in the late 70's and early 80's. Jack may not have always remembered my name but he always had a positive word for me. He would often refer to me as "son" and later in life when our paths would cross, he would call me "coach". It is a trait I still use today.

Mike Leone

February 14, 2013

Requiescat in Pace. Old Chum. I remember some good times when we both played a little ball. Don't belive I beat you in any sport-well maybe basketball.

Bill Mercer

February 14, 2013

Jack was one of the greatest PE teachers and coaches that existed.
I believe he student taught at College Hill School because when I got to ETHS he was there. There are few teachers that leave a favorable and warm impression on students, Jack was one of them.
Sue Ann Keller Mandel and Larry Mandel, ETHS 66

February 13, 2013

Our hearts and prayers to the Tosh family !

Sandie King & Family

February 13, 2013

"The best job in America is teaching five classes and coaching two sports." One - of many - statements from Jack, a true class act. Thanks for all the guidance and friendship. Rest in peace.

Tom Anstett

February 13, 2013

My late husband Tony Portincaso taught with Jack at York and enjoyed his friendship. May he rest in peace.

Sandy Portincaso

February 13, 2013

One great guy and high school friend, rest easy my pal

John Henderson

February 13, 2013

One of the "good guys" by nature. Was a neighbor in Skokie in the 60's. Always greeted his students with a smile and kind word of encouragement. Blessings Jack -

Will Schnell

February 13, 2013

I will always remeember Mr. Tosh from the days when he was a young teacher at Evanston High. He was a kind and professional teacher. As the years have passed I occasionally saw little pieces of information about him on the sports pages. My condolences to his family.

Judge Stuart Shiffman

February 13, 2013

A remarkable and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, teacher/coach, mentor & friend. It truly was a gift to be around Jack. You always felt better with each interaction. He was always focused on others and in doing the right thing. His energy, his enthusiasm, advice and candor are traits to model. We will truly miss you Jack and we are blessed to have known you and to have included you and Bee as part of our family. May God bless you and continue to bless the Tosh family.

Brad & Joanne Parcells

February 13, 2013

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