Tribute for Stuart Christopher Toleman (Guest book)
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Welcome to the memorial page for

Stuart Christopher Toleman

March 8, 1947 ~ March 14, 2017 (age 70) 70 Years Old
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A candle was lit by Kerry, Liz and Kayla Hardy on May 23, 2018 12:03 PM
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A candle was lit by Kevin and Sheila Simone on May 3, 2017 8:58 PM
Message from Sheila Simone
May 3, 2017 8:57 PM

For death's begins with life's first breath. And life begins at touch of death.
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A candle was lit by Jo Anne and Bill Anderson: Stu left us one month today. on April 14, 2017 3:17 PM
Message from Sharon & Jordan Strauss
April 4, 2017 5:38 PM

Stuart and I became close friends when we both worked for the EPA. We would have lunch almost every day and I was amazed at much knowledge Stuart had in so many areas. I learned a great deal from him and my wife, Sharon, always enjoyed having him to our house in Rockville, Maryland as well as our condo in Hollywood, Florida. Stu was a great guy with such an upbeat outlook on life always seeing the glass half full, never half empty. We will miss Stuart very much.
Message from Alan Sikes
April 2, 2017 11:24 PM

I knew Stu from "The Party Gang" back when we were "free and fancy" in the 70's and beyond. He had all the human traits that make each of us unique in our own ways. Rest in Peace Stu and I know you are enjoying yourself on the "other side of the veil" Most likely you have found an enjoyable golf course to play and have "touched base" with Arnie !
Message from Kevin and Sheila Simone
April 2, 2017 5:05 PM

Some of you probably heard my name through Stuart and some of you we've spoken a few times. And some of you probably have know idea who I am. Well, Mr. Stuart Toleman and I instantly bonded because we had one thing in common: a deeply rooted passion for music. I had an upright piano at my town home back when I was in Deerfield, Florida in 2001, and that piano helped create our friendship. Stuart helped me unleashed my love in music, we both ended up at Broadway shows, the Kennedy Center, to the Met Opera. In addition to a love of music, our friendship was largely built on mutual respect.
Furthermore, Stuart served as a wise, positive, and encouraging mentor who taught me how to perceive the world in a wide variety of ways. When talking about all the possible choices a person faces in life, he greatly emphasized the differences between right and wrong as well as the importance of always being responsible. I personally think that Stuart ’s methodology could be difficult to take at times. However, once I got to know him, the connection we had was priceless. He has a tender heart that I've seen it every time will go to church -
Stuart was not my biological uncle, but he and I had an uncle-niece relationship. He treated me as if I were his niece, and I eventually appreciated him as a guardian. I recall how he would introduce me when we were out for dinner. “She is my friend’s wife. She is from North Carolina. Her husband is working overseas,” he would say. But after that introduction went on awhile, he grew tired of being concerned about what others would think. Therefore, one day he decided to introduce me as his niece, and so I responded by calling him Uncle Stu.

As my friend and mentor, Stuart connected with me on so many different levels and consistently inspired me to be the best person possible. In the multiple roles he played in our lives, he genuinely was the embodiment of selfless love. He will be profoundly missed by me and countless others, but I know his noble and loving spirit will lives on.
Message from William (Disco Bill) & Linda Burnett
April 2, 2017 3:03 PM

It was 1974, August, a beautiful Sunday morning that only Northern Virginia could provide. I was returning from an errand, heading to the bank of elevators to return to my new apartment at Southern Towers. I caught the doors just as they were about to close and entered. To my surprise there were three guys around my age already in the elevator. As I nodded and punched the button for my floor, I realized that I recognized one young man as a friend of a mutual acquaintance we had when we both lived in Verdun, France in 1966. I introduced myself and brought up the mutual friend. Mike then introduced me to his friends, Nick Swerdlow and Stuart Toleman.
That was the first time I met Stu.
The last time Stu and I were together was last year at the annual gathering Pat and JoAnne organize for our old party/beach crowd. He was still that same guy talking one or two levels above our heads. But now, he was using a cane to get around. And it brought to mind what he had told me many years ago. You see, Stu was a Vietnam veteran, wounded in action. And he said that the doctors told him that later on in life his legs would affect his health.
Well, we knew Stu as this lovable “nerdy government contract negotiator”. But, in reality Stuart Toleman was one of the meanest, most dangerous, bravest bad-asses in the United States Army Infantry in Vietnam. Once in country Stu volunteered to join a group of Long Range Patrol Platoons (LRPPs) to fight the Viet Cong. Groups of six men would be dropped deep in enemy territory for five to six days at a time to spy on troop movements, and wreck havoc on enemy instillations. Five months into his tour, while walking near a trail, the man in front of him tripped a booby trap. As a result, Stu nearly lost his leg. It took two years of intensive rehabilitation for him to sufficiently recover from his wounds to reenter civilian life.
This is but a fissure in Stu’s live that few of us knew. Stuart loved music, opera to disco. Golf was his opium; Food was not only sustenance but a pleasure; Fine wine was his joy; Politics were entertaining to him. And in his younger years parties was his goal to get through the week. And “Strip Joints” was his “bad boy” indulgence.
I don’t recall Stu having any enemies. He was good friends with so many in our “group” because there was always something there to grab onto and like. When I was in Northern Virginia Stu and I shared a lot and he was my best friend.
I’ll miss you Stuart.
Message from Adam Lamoreaux
April 2, 2017 9:11 AM

Stu and I worked together for three years at the State Department toward the end of his federal career and the beginning of mine. With nothing in common to each other, Stu took me under his wing and taught me as much as I could absorb. He was a significant influence on my career and remained a great friend afterwards, showing great kindness to me and to my family. We will miss him greatly and wish him well on the next great journey. Rest in peace, Stu. As he departs, I can almost hear him speaking the words with which he signed his e-mail messages: "Stu, the Papi Chulo, rocks."
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A candle was lit by Anita Batog on April 1, 2017 5:41 PM
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A candle was lit by Kevin and Sheila Simone on April 1, 2017 5:37 PM
Message from Kevin and Sheila Simone
April 1, 2017 5:35 PM

As my friend and mentor, Stuart connected with me on so many different levels and consistently inspired me to be the best person possible. In the multiple roles he played in our lives, he genuinely was the embodiment of selfless love. He will be profoundly missed by me and countless others, but I know his noble and loving spirit will lives on.
Message from Kevin and Sheila
April 1, 2017 5:31 PM

Stu is everyone's great friend. He was my mentor and a family member that always with us. We will miss you As my friend and mentor, Stuart connected with me on so many different levels and consistently inspired me to be the best person possible. In the multiple roles he played in our lives, he genuinely was the embodiment of selfless love. He will be profoundly missed by me and countless others, but I know his noble and loving spirit will lives on.
Message from Tom Rogers
April 1, 2017 9:03 AM

Stu was a outstanding friend to many of us in the old VADC/MD gang who hung out for many events/parties/get-togethers over many years when most us worked and lived in the Wash DC areas. He was jovial, super intelligent, excellent golfer, and sincere friend to all of us who knew him well. He served his country during trying times like most of us did back then and happy he will be interned in Arlington National Cemetery. Stu you lived life well and now forever RIP!! . .
Message from Bud Pratsch
March 31, 2017 8:51 PM

Stu and I have been friends since he got out of Walter Reed Hospital in 1971. We initially lived near each other and "chummed" around for a few years. We also worked together over the years. Stu always brought good humor and flowers to my wife, a quadriplegic. He was invited to every holiday gathering we had and watched our children grow and become parents themselves. Stu enjoyed fine wine, a good book, an interesting piece of music and company. He added to any relationship he had. He is missed by my entire family. [I am posting this because the first guestbook entry, made this morning, has not shown up this evening. If this turns into a double posting, Stu deserves it.]
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A candle was lit by The Pratsch Family on March 31, 2017 11:15 AM
Message from Bud Pratsch
March 31, 2017 11:05 AM

Stu and I became very good friends, meeting in 1971 when he got out of Walter Reed hospital. Initially, Stu and I, both single and living near each other in Annandale, "chummed" around a lot. After my wife and I married, Stu was never without an invitation from us for any occasion. He was a continuing presence in the lives of our children who are now adults with children of their own. He was a scholar, a gentleman and always good company. He never forgot to send or bring flowers to my wife who was a quadriplegic and who looked forward to his company. He took great joy in learning something new, whether it was in economics or some particular music interlude. He loved to share his newfound knowledge or experience and in so doing he enhanced the many relationships he enjoyed. Stu was an addition to our lives and all in the family will miss him at the Easter table this year and thereafter.
Message from Wes Merchant
March 31, 2017 8:21 AM

Stu was the nicest guy you could want to be your friend. Always cheerful and upbeat. He made many, many friends as he traveled the road of life and we will all miss him.and his humor. Rest In Peace Stu.
Message from Bill and Barbara Goodwill
March 31, 2017 1:15 AM

Stuart was one of our closest friends and my lifelong golf partner, which he played with great gusto. He was absolutely brilliant and the life of the party. We will miss him and his love of life.
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A candle was lit by Jo Anne and Bill Anderson on March 30, 2017 11:10 PM
Stu was a dear friend of mine for almost forty years and he left us way too soon. My husband and I will miss his talks, his laughter and his humor, he was a man ahead of his time. We already miss him and we will always have fond memories of him.

Jo Anne and Bill Anderson
Expression of Sympathy

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A Shades of Elegance was sent on March 29, 2017

We are honored that we can call Stuart a great friend. And give thanks for all your kindness to us. Sonia and Jim Weatherly

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A Traditional Funeral Basket was sent on March 29, 2017

Stuart was a wonderful friend, who always brought humor and intellect to our lives, making our lives that much better. We will miss him very much. Ferrell, Shirley, and Bernard Piper

Message from Richard Totten
March 29, 2017 11:21 AM

I had the pleasure of meeting Stu in the Army. We became best friends in AIT and NCO school. We became separated in Vietnam but we tried to keep in touch over the years..


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