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John Edward Tolosko

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Grossmont High School

John Tolosko Obituary

TOLOSKO, JOHN EDWARD John Edward Tolosko, 24, died unexpectedly at his home June 22, 2009. From his earliest days, Mr. Tolosko was driven by his passions - for swimming, cars, restaurants and the hard work of building a business. At age 14, he learned to salvage Mercedes Benz screws from old cars and sell them at a big profit on the Internet. That funded Mr. Tolosko's other interests as he continued through Grossmont High School. Mr. Tolosko was born November 19, 1984, the son of James and Carol Fusco Tolosko. He was on the varsity swim team at Grossmont for four years and maintained a life-long love of animals. He left behind a large group of friends and family that had watched he and his family begin to transform the La Mesa restaurant scene. The latest of five generations that sold candy in the East County, Mr. Tolosko helped design and build Centifonti's Bar and Restaurant and, at the time of his death, was about to open Tortas and More and a new sushi restaurant nearby. "He loved everything about business,'' his mother, Carol Tolosko said. "He was extremely intelligent. He loved life. He loved people. And he knew how to make business work.'' Mr. Tolosko bought classic Mustangs and British Sprites, but was most proud of his contribution to the family's growing restaurant business, which included learning the art of Italian gelato and adding a popular 112-ounce "Das Boot'' full of beer to Centifonti's menu. He is survived by his parents; a sister, Kirsten Tolosko of La Mesa; grandparents Charles and Frances of La Mesa; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Humane Society of San Diego County. A private memorial service is planned.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jul. 3, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John Tolosko

18 Entries

Sally & Kara Murphy, Drake Garvin

July 24, 2009

Dear Jim, Carol & Kirsten: We were so stunned & saddened to hear about John's passing. He was such a talented young man with so much going for him. We hope you can find the courage and strength to make it through this difficult time and you will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

Raad & Lorita Naji

July 20, 2009

Dear Carol & Family,

We are so so sorry to hear about John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family/

Sherry & Tyge Legier

July 16, 2009

Dear Carol, Kristen and family,
We were deeply saddened by the loss of John. We know it must be a very hard time for you but we will always remember John as a friendly, outgoing person with so much potential. May God grant you peace and quieting of your souls during this time.

Brett & Ashley Tompkins

July 9, 2009

Dear Carol and Family,
We will miss seeing John's smiling face at Centifotnis. He was such a warm person and always made us feel welcome. You are in our Prayers. May God give you his peace during this time.

Keith & Janine Clements

July 8, 2009

We are so sorry to hear about your loss and will always remember that smile on the pool deck at Grossmont High School. John was a nice young man and he will be missed by the La Mesa Community and his friends.

Steve Crittenden

July 7, 2009

Jim, Carol and Kirsten, Barb, Kayli and I think of you daily knowing there is no deeper pain than losing a son or brother. Though we did not know John we can tell he was a very special and talented person with a kind soul and full of life. Find strength from those that love you and loved John. May peace be with you.

Steve, Barb and Kayli Crittenden
Creston, Iowa

Bill and Betty Crittenden

July 7, 2009

To Jim, Carol and Kierstan, Aunt Betty and I are so sorry about the loss of John, our thoughts and prayers are with you for now and in the days to come we will be thinking of you. Nora sent us the Obit, he was such a handsome young man and so personable. We will call and talk to you later, we are sure that you will have a lot of support from your family and friends to help you through your troubled days.
We love you guys, Uncle Bill and Aunt Betty, all our love from Iowa.

July 7, 2009

Dear Carol & family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss, our hearts and prayers are with you in this most difficult and sad time.
Beverly & Mike
Louviere Boutros

Kimberly White

July 7, 2009

Our prayers are with you and we are deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. We will always remember watching him grow to a fine young man from the first day of kindergarten through graduation day of high school. John rest in peace you will be missed here. With sincere sympathy from an OLG family.

Diann Jacoby

July 6, 2009

July 06, 2009
Carol, James, and Kirsten, my thoughts and prayers go out to you. Dear Carol,you have been a dear and wonderful friend for over 40 years, thinking back to good times through Church, Moms Support Group and our children so close and friends from such a young age. My,son, Sean now 27 was always proud to have the true friendship of both John and Kirsten. You did a terrific job with both of them and should be so proud. They loved you dearly, as you did them and all of your family. John's love of business he got from you, my dear. All the times in the old shop both were so helpful, as your folks~true sweethearts. An amazing family gene you all share. Then with the car show, other events, and Octoberfest no matter what went on your family came through to do whatever was necessary in always such a wonderful way. That special gift came for so many from you and and your folks, such a wonderful way to be to share such amazing love with so many. From candy, to dinner, to lovely smiles for all. John was terrific in Centifonti's and all of his business interests as well. Many thanks for cooking first with tons of love and making every bite beyond worth it, and for all of the tender love that went into all that you did cook for so many valued customers who all appreciate all you do more than can be said. Thanks for many great times. You could tell by the smile always on his face, the same true of your beautiful daughter. He is near to you and will always be. You both did a world win job at raising you great children, still giving back with all that they touch and always have. And I thank you dear sweet lady for being a true friend to Sean, and myself when I needed you most in my life. You are an amazing woman, and from the input of you and James, the effort beyond shows in John, and Kirsten. More parents should be like both of you, to have kids who love what they do and know and understand that there is no limit to what they can achieve, through love and all of the right reasons... God Bless all of you and yours, Always,

Alex Smith

July 4, 2009

Working in the candy shop with John and cruising the La Mesa Car show was a highlight of my summer days in high school. John was too young.

I send my deepest condolences to your family.

Svea and Dan Ang

July 4, 2009

Dan and I will miss him. He was a good friend to us! We loved his passion, spirit and his humor. We will miss him dearly. Rest in Peace John.

Jim & Gretchen Friedlan

July 3, 2009

It came as such a shock to hear of your
sudden and tragic loss. We know what a
bright star John was in your life. We
are glad we got to know him briefly as
customers in your restaurant. We also
suffered a great loss recently in our
family and know only too well the grief
and sorrow you now feel. Our prayers
will be with all of you as you start
the slow journey towards recovering from this terrible experience. Know
that you have many loyal friends who
will be near you in thought and prayer
for as long as it takes. John would
want you to continue on where he left
off and make his dreams come true.
May God Bless You Carol, Jim and the
whole family.

Tom Montgomery

July 3, 2009

Dear Carol,

I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of your son.

Suzi the icecream cone lady

July 3, 2009

Dear Carol, Kirsten and family, our neighborhood is so very sorry for your great loss and sadness....the ripples of losing John are touching all of us who watch your family work so hard and give so much to our little La Mesa community. You are in my thoughts each day.

Geri & Bob Spencer

July 3, 2009

We didn't "know" your son, Carol, but we know you and can only guess how devastated you, Jim and your family must be. Please accept our condolences. You always spoke proudly of both your children.

A thought that has often brought me comfort and I hope helps you -

As a bird, free of its cage
Seeks the heights,
So, too, the Christian soul in death,
Flies home to God.

Be assured of this.

Kirk & Cindy Wilder

July 3, 2009

July 03,2009

I just recieved a phone call from our good friends who just told me of the loss of John, I sit here numb and in complete shock. Carol, I can only say that it was a true pleasure knowing John, to see a very young man with the vision and energy to accomplish what he had accomplished was truly amazing. I remember coming by and talking to John and him taking us over to show us all the work that he was conducting for the sushi restaurant (WOW), and how about the bar at Centifonti's!!!, John was truly a visionary with a head full of ideas, I say this from the deepest part of my heart, I will miss seeing John and listening to all of his incredible ideas that he transorms into his vision.

Jean Smith

July 3, 2009

My last memories of John were of him magically swimming the lanes of Grossmont High School with speed, strength and grace. I will remember him as an extremely handsome, innovative and creative young man who enriched all of our lives with his presence. I hope the many tears that are being shed for John throughout this community will help to ease the depth of his family's grief.

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