Tribute Wall
Friday
19
May
Memorial service
11:00 am
Friday, May 19, 2023
Floris United Methodist Church
13600 Frying Pan Road
Herndon, Virginia, United States
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Chris Grussendorf posted a condolence
Saturday, May 11, 2024
I'll always remember"Mr Tozzi" as a great man, gifted teacher, and encouraging leader. He was my 4th grade teacher at Sunrise Valley Elementary School in Reston, VA. About 15 years later I was back in VA, looked him up in the phone directory and called him out of the blue; at the mention of my name, he shared a memory from our classroom time together. I was shocked that he remembered me at all, but that just reflected his love for others. I deeply appreciate his service to students and the community. I'm only now seeing this a year following his passing. My condolences to family and friend. His memory brings a big smile to my face. With love, Chris M. Grussendorf
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Mark Farfaglia posted a condolence
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Mr. Tozzi tolerated no nonsense in his 5th/6th grade classroom at Lake Anne Elementary. If you did something inappropriate, he’d call you out on it immediately. And if you did something unacceptable, he’d call you out in front of the entire class. The humiliation was an effective learning tool. But conversely, if you did something beneficial and thoughtful, he’d praise you in front of the class, too. Mr. Tozzi’s classroom was a crash course in the Law of Cause and Effect. I can honestly say that I am a better human being today for having had the good fortune to be placed in Tozzi/McConnell “Runabouts II.” Mr. Tozzi’s commitment to his students’ development was peerless: it went far beyond mere subject matter. Mr. Tozzi wasn’t afraid to have group discussions on subjects that other teachers shied away from. Thanks to Mr. Tozzi, I made better choices in life. His influence stayed with me long after I left the fifth grade. My deepest condolences to his surviving family members at this immeasurable loss.
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Chris Godfrey posted a condolence
Friday, May 19, 2023
John was a great friend and a great interlocutor on all matters of subjects. I was always uplifted and stimulated by his views of the world. Goodbye, John, I'll miss you.
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Susan Lunt Hawksford Posted May 19, 2023 at 1:19 PM
Loved Mr Tozzi as my 5th grade teacher at Lake Anne Elem in Reston. I remember his enthusiasm in the classroom and making a difference in his students’ lives. I hold on to those same values as I work at my local high school as a spec ed para. Mr Tozzi made a difference in the lives he touched! ❤️
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Bonnie Wolfson Hoover posted a condolence
Monday, May 15, 2023
Mr Tozzi, you were unquestionably the most innovative and inspiring teacher I ever had. Your lessons and creativity are legendary. Thank you for your years of service to thousands of young minds.
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Lisa Kelly lit a candle
Monday, May 15, 2023
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Mr. Tozzi was my fifth grade teacher at Sunrise Valley. He was one of my favorite teachers ever. He made learning so much fun, and also was famous for his “Tozzi Tortures”! Sending prayers to his family and friends and colleagues.
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Sarah Young posted a condolence
Monday, May 15, 2023
Mr. Tozzi was hands down one of my favorite teachers ever even though it was elementary school when I had him. We were also neighbors in Reston and he was always so friendly when he’d see us out running around. Rest easy, you will be missed and remembered.
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Jeremy Eichler posted a condolence
Monday, May 15, 2023
Rest in peace, Mr. Tozzi. You opened my eyes to the Mediterranean basin and I have never looked away. I am forever endebted. Thank you sir
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Bethany Bray Clark uploaded photo(s)
Monday, May 15, 2023
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John Tozzi was my 5th and 6th grade teacher at Lake Anne Elementary. He had a great impact on so many "Kids of Reston" and I cherished to times I got to see him out and around Reston over the years.
"Mr. Tozzi" was a welcomed sight at the 50th Anniversary of LAES back in 2017. (see pic)
Wishing the entire Tozzi family peace as you navigate these challenging days without your beloved Husband, Father and Dear Friend.
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James Borden posted a condolence
Monday, May 15, 2023
Mr. Tozzi was my 5th grade teacher. I am now a 47 year-old lawyer with the federal government. No teacher/professor has had a greater impact on me than Mr. Tozzi did. I am sorry for your loss.
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Dana Foster posted a condolence
Sunday, May 14, 2023
I had the great good fortune of being a student of "Mr Tozzi" in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at Sunrise Valley Elementary school in about 1980. Mr Tozzi and several other teachers ran a school-within-a-school gifted program there in a set of outbuildings. He made social studies learning vivid and hands-on for us. I became a teacher myself and admire him all the more now-- he really created a wonderful curriculum. I can see from reading his biography that he must have touched many lives and done a lot of good in the world. I'm sure he will be much missed, and my heart goes out to his family.
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Mark Ralston posted a condolence
Thursday, May 11, 2023
John Tozzi, rest in peace. My two brothers, Brian and John, and I each had the utmost good fortune of being one of your students during your teaching days at Lake Anne Elementary. To my regret, my contact with you was pretty much limited to my time as a student in your class. But what an impact you had on me during that time! (And the same goes for my brothers when they became your students.) You brought innovation and excitement to the classroom. You cared.
Our lives are finite, but we all leave a legacy through how we have affected others, both directly and indirectly through those we have directly affected. I think that your life and the good that you have done will ripple across the generations. Your life was one that was truly well-lived.
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Pam Goose lit a candle
Thursday, May 11, 2023
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The Goose family are deeply saddened hearing of Johns passing. He was always an upbeat , caring dear friend , and neighbor. He was the one who gathered the neighbors together for early breakfasts on his driveways during covid , so all would feel loved , and welcomed . He loved showing us all of Alta and his traveling photos from their wonderful places they visited . Rest in eternal peace John , love you and your wonderful family so much
. The Goose family
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David Phillips posted a condolence
Monday, May 8, 2023
Not sure how to say goodbye to such a wonderful man and dear friend. It hurts. John was bigger than life and we loved him dearly. We are so fortunate to have known him and spent such quality time in his company. We will always remember Italy in particular. Much love, always. Dave & Mary Phillips Emerald Isle, NC
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Ed Cannon posted a condolence
Monday, May 8, 2023
“Mr. Tozzi” was my teacher at Lake Anne Elementary (#Runabouts4life) for 5th and 6th grades in ‘77-‘78. As others have stated, he was the most impactful teacher I have ever had. Even though we were young, he treated us as thinking humans and valued our perspectives. He truly “saw” us and we felt it. His loving presence and kindness, and when needed, discipline, were a welcome balm for those of us whose home lives were not great. In 2008 I returned to Reston briefly to live, and was fortunate enough to find him temporarily back at Lake Anne Elem. helping out (of course!). He took a few minutes of his busy day to talk with me, and I felt so happy to be able to tell him what he meant to me. We both shed some tears. I am now an educator, and I try to embody his amazing spirit in everything I do.
Thank you Mr. Tozzi!
Ed Cannon
Denver, Colorado
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Justin posted a condolence
Monday, May 8, 2023
JT was a tremendous leader and caring friend/mentor. John had high energy, a loving spirit, and was always positive. He was an enthusiastic problem solver. He would leave inspiring notes for his staff and make you feel valued. I'll never forget the day he challenged me to a push-up contest in the hallway. He cranked them out like a machine!
Thank you, John. God bless.
-Justin D.
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Linda Bayer posted a condolence
Monday, May 8, 2023
So very sorry to learn of John’s passing. He always had great stories to tell whenever we saw him!
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Jay McClain posted a condolence
Sunday, May 7, 2023
John was a mentor, model, and colleague to me when I became a principal in FCPS in 2000. He was a true gentleman and overall great guy. I miss him.
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Jim Brown posted a condolence
Sunday, May 7, 2023
As a fellow school administrator, I will miss sharing our stories about our life experiences in education. He was a wonderful man and I will miss him very much! Alta, Lauren, Chris, and Hadley…you are in my prayers!
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Tammy Karas posted a condolence
Sunday, May 7, 2023
I was a parent and a parent (family) liaison while John was the principal at White Oaks ES. One of the funny things that happened as a family liaison was when I mentioned to the office staff one day- Mr. Tozzi never seems to be in his office and they said yes and we're always looking for him. The reason he was not in his office was because he was out checking in with teachers, connecting with students, and generally making sure things were in order. Never stuck behind the desk but always caring about and connecting with others. He was and will always be an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing him! Sending hugs, prayers, and love to his family during this difficult time. May his memory be eternal!
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Mary lit a candle
Sunday, May 7, 2023
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John was an amazing individual. Teacher, husband, son, father, neighbor, humanitarian, who served all whom he met with grace, empathy, love and respect! John and Alta were always in our lives from the Exbury days, when Lauren was a toddler and my John Michael was only 6 months old.
We shared our backyard pool and they shared their swing set. Wow!! Those were amazing days, being wonderful neighbors and growing our friendships and families.
John, was a pillar of strength to me in my loss. We have lost a brother and a great soul. You my dear friend who made me laugh out loud at silly stuff will never be forgotten. The bright light that you left will never be dimmed. We are grateful for that, the loving call for all of us to come up higher, love harder, serve better and make a real difference.
Alta, Lauren, Chris and Hadley we love you and John's love for you is eternal. Peace and big hugs.
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andy lilienthal posted a condolence
Sunday, May 7, 2023
"Mr. Tozzi" was the best teacher I ever had. He was creative, dynamic, caring, and tough when he had to be; a perfect combination for a bunch of rough and tumble boys (and girls) who roamed the woods and creeks of Reston when not in school. He challenged us to be our best selves, celebrated with us when we were and chided us to be better when he sensed the opportunity. There is no doubt that because of John, the world is a better place due to all he did and who he was. I am sorry I won't be among those gathering to honor John on May 19. However, I will be thinking of him on that day and beyond. Thank you John for helping to inspire me to be the person I am today. Your impact will continue to help shape our world.
With much love and appreciation,
Andy Lilienthal
Lake Anne Elementary 1974-1979
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Kolette De La Cruz posted a condolence
Sunday, May 7, 2023
John was an amazing school administrator. He in one that I always will look up to an aspire to be like. He cared deeply for the students, staff, families and community of his schools.
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Black Lynn posted a condolence
Sunday, May 7, 2023
John was just one of a kind. His empathy and challenges made me a better person. I am privileged to have known such an honorable man. He will be greatly missed.
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Doug & Liz Gant lit a candle
Sunday, May 7, 2023
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My husband & I attended John's workshops at Floris and we were both impressed with his knowledge and his wonderful demeanor. He's a person that made you want to learn more. He was so inspiring. I was in a group with John at Floris, and he always had great ideas and insightful views. So impressed by his intelligence and willingness to explain and share information. Our deepest sympathy to his family. We know he will be missed.
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georgia broyhill posted a condolence
Sunday, May 7, 2023
John was that person, if you are lucky, comes along in your life....what a mentor!
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Debbie Lane lit a candle
Sunday, May 7, 2023
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Heaven gained an angel. John had a wonderful sense of humor, always led with grace, and had a strong zest around learning. He loved his family and always put them first. I felt so fortunate to learn under his leadership at FCPS.
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The family of John Lee Tozzi uploaded a photo
Sunday, May 7, 2023
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MaryAlice posted a condolence
Sunday, May 7, 2023
A life well-lived!! A friendship that’ll be truly missed.
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Margaret Mahan lit a candle
Saturday, May 6, 2023
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While we didn't know John personally, we benefited from his influence on his beautiful daughter Lauren. We know he was a good man based on the excellent values his daughter possesses. He is missed and he was loved. Patrick and Margaret Mahan.
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Katie Mahan uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, May 6, 2023
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John knew how to entertain a crowd! May his memory be a blessing.
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The family of John Lee Tozzi uploaded a photo
Saturday, May 6, 2023
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The family of John Lee Tozzi uploaded a photo
Saturday, May 6, 2023
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The family of John Lee Tozzi uploaded a photo
Saturday, May 6, 2023
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The family of John Lee Tozzi uploaded a photo
Saturday, May 6, 2023
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Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory
721 Elden Street | Herndon, VA 20170
P: (703) 437-1764 or (703) 471-4090 | E: bill@adamsgreen.com
