Albert Andrew Toth, Jr.

Albert Andrew “Bert” Toth, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, in Gambrills, Maryland. Born on March 14, 1931, in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, Bert lived a long and vibrant life marked by curiosity, service, learning, and creativity. He was devoted to his friends, family, and community.

At just 17 years old, Bert joined the United States Marine Corps. Over the course of a distinguished 30-year military career – 20 years active duty and 10 years in the Reserves – he served two tours in Korea and one in Vietnam. Rising through the ranks from Private to Lieutenant, Bert earned the respected title of “Mustang Marine,” a term of honor for enlisted men who become officers. He retired from active duty in 1967 but carried the Marine spirit with him for life.

While in the service, Bert earned his GED and pursued higher education, studying business law and military education. After retiring from the military, he worked as a computer analyst for the NSA at Fort Meade before launching his own business as “Al the Handyman.” Eventually, he embraced full retirement in the Poconos and later moved to Florida in 1993, where he enjoyed the sunshine and a fulfilling, active lifestyle.

Bert was a man of many talents and interests. His catch phrase for his handyman business was "Ask...I May Can Do". He taught 55 Alive driving safety courses to fellow seniors, played bridge and bingo, served as a docent at a local museum, painted, and worked with his hands to build and help repair anything that would break. He cultivated orchids for their beauty and to brighten the lives of others, offering the flowers to family or giving them away to anyone he thought needed cheering up. He found joy in helping others, and he loved sharing his creative endeavors with his friends and family.

He had a zest for life’s simple pleasures: eating pizza and tacos; playing card games with dear friends Betty, Jim, and Chris; doing word finds; watching and listening to nature; and feeding the birds (and squirrels). A prolific letter writer, he never missed a birthday and always stayed in close contact with loved ones near and far. Even as technology evolved, Bert kept learning – using a computer and printer (his "typewriter"), making FaceTime calls, and enjoying digital photo albums so he could stay close to his family and be a part of their milestones.

Bert traveled extensively across the U.S. and Canada in his RV, and he explored destinations abroad to visit family and see the world. Even when his mobility became limited, his sense of wonder never faded.

He will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and sense of humor. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Albert is survived by his wife, Rose M. Toth; daughter JoAnn (William) Potter; son Timothy (Jennifer) Toth; grandchildren Janna Green, Victoria (KC) Jones, Bryan Toth, Emily (Ryan) Pollione, Regina (Connor) Simoncelli, Michael Potter, Hannah (Benjamin) Callahan, Katharine Toth, Jonathan Paul Potter, and Akira Potter (also known as Marybeth Potter); and sister Margaret Wallace. He also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren whose lives were enriched by his love of playfulness and storytelling.

He was preceded in death by his children Gregory Toth, Autum Winter, and Lawrence Toth; his sister Barbara Cushman; and his parents, Albert Andrew Toth, Sr. and Margaret Toth.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Audubon Society.