Obituary of Daniel George Toro
Daniel George Toro was born on March 19, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the second oldest of seven children born from the union of the late Joseph and Marie Threase (Merrill) Toro. At the age of 16, Daniel began working the Boblo Boat, St. Clair. He enlisted in the United States Marines Corp at Detroit, Michigan on November 4, 1965. Daniel served during the Vietnam Conflict obtaining the rank of E3, as a Rifle Sharpshooter and “Tunnel Rat”. He was honorably discharged on November 18, 1967 at Camp Pendleton, California; earning the Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, as well as a National Defense Service Medal.
For several years, Daniel worked as a waiter and also sang on cruise ships with Ray Brants Orchestra. Dan married the love of his life the former, Marcia K. Stoddard at the Monroe County Courthouse on October 10, 1975. Their marriage was later blessed at the St. Athanacious Church in Harrison in 1985.
Dan decided to further his education by attending classes at Mid-Michigan Community College where he minored in Psychology and majored in English. He would also obtain his teaching certificate. With his education, Dan, looked to serve others. Being a champion for the underdog and with a strong sense of doing right, he taught adult developmentally disabled and worked as a Supervisor for Adult Daily living, being employed at Comprehensive Services for the Developmentally Disabled. Unfortunately, due to declining health starting in 1995, he was forced to take a medical retirement after seven years.
Dan and Marcia made their home in Mesa, Arizona for nine years. He was a member of the Building Committee of All Saint Parish, active in the Knights of Columbus Council 9485 in Mesa, and a member of Sacred Heart of Mary Rosary Society. His kind nature allowed him to see the positive in everything and everyone. He received his spiritual nourishment as a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.
Dan never forgot the honor and integrity learned in the Marine Corps. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 514, Ida, and Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138.
Daniel George Toro, age 73, of Monroe passed away at home on Friday, December 4, 2020. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by brothers: William, Gerard, and Donald Toro; and a nephew: Randall.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife: Marcia of Monroe; daughter: Amanda “Mandy” (Tyler) Collins of Monroe; his honorary son: Matthew Ryalls of Casa Grande, AZ; his brother and stepsister: Joseph “Butch” and Kris Toro, sister: Colleen (Dennis) Hebert, and brother: Michael (Deborah) Toro; his sisters-in-law: Pam Toro, Robin Toro, and Sherrie Toro; his step-siblings: Robert Clayfield Jr., Jeanie (Keith) Nichols, Ronald (Melinda) Clayfield, Bruce (Julie) Johnson, Laura (James)Wells, Daniel Johnson and Patrick (Regina) Johnson; his grandchildren: Kathleen Collins (Jason Johnson), Jasmine, Vada and Josie; his great granddaughter: Kaycee Kolenda and Madeline Johnson; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Friends may gather on Thursday; December 10, 2020 from 3:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan (734) 384-5185 where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm. He will lie in state from 10:00am until Mass at 11:00am on Friday; December 11, 2020 at St. Mary Catholic Church 127 North Monroe Street. Procession will follow to Roselawn where graveside services will be under the auspice of Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to any Monroe County Food Closet. Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.
