Allen “Al” I. Tolchinsky

October 10, 1947 - December 12, 2022

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Temple Israel Ner Tamid

1732 Lander Road

Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124

Thursday 12/15, 10:00 am

ALLEN “Al” I. TOLCHINSKY

Age 75 of Burton, died December 12, 2022, at UH Geauga Medical Center, Claridon Twp. Born October 10, 1947, in Cleveland, to Sanford and Fay (nee: Klein) Tolchinsky. Al was a beloved Industrial Arts Teacher for 30 years, serving Crestwood, Berkshire, Newbury, Lakewood and retired from Madison School Districts. He was known as “Coach T” by all who knew and loved him. Al was a wrestling coach and referee for 35 years, serving on the Berkshire Local School Board and Burton Zoning Board of Appeals. He was inducted into the Euclid Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 and was a member of the Greater Cleveland Wrestling Coaches Association. Al enjoyed classic cars, woodworking, and metal work. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and family.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Dawn (nee: Jackson) Tolchinsky of Burton, children Robyn (Rich) Vandevander of Newbury and Josh (Holly Huffman) Tolchinsky of Cincinnati; grandchildren Rachel Jaffe of Beachwood, Zack Vandevander of Newbury, Lillian and Evelyn Tolchinsky of Cincinnati. He also leaves his siblings Paul (Kathy) Tolchinsky of Scottsdale, AZ, Barbara Tolchinsky of Mayfield Hts., Penny (Barry) Knelman of Irvine,CA, Sherry Noll of Chagrin Falls, Betsy (Bill) Cusack of West Chester, OH and brother in law, Murray Kempe of Lisle, IL. He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Cookie.

A Memorial service will be held Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Temple Israel Ner Tamid, 1732 Lander Rd., Mayfield Hts., OH. Immediately following the service, the family will receive friends at the home of Sherry Noll, 224 Stonebrooke Oval, Chagrin Falls 44022, until 8:00 PM and Friday, 12:00 – 5:00 PM. A private family burial was held.

A Celebration of Al’s Life will be held in early January 2023. Details to be announced.

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Berkshire Wrestling Team, C/O Berkshire Athletic Department, 14155 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton, OH 44021 or Berkshire Recreation, P.O. Box 61, Burton, OH 44021, or if you choose, take a dear one to lunch and celebrate Al’s life.

Arrangements handled by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon, Ohio.

Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com.

Burr Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Lillian Tolchinsky

Michael Holland

Mary Dewey

Julie Hill

Lauren Cusack

Cherie Young

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Temple Israel Ner Tamid

1732 Lander Road

Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124

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Thursday 12/15, 10:00 am

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ALLEN “Al” I. TOLCHINSKY Age 75 of Burton, died December 12, 2022, at UH Geauga Medical Center, Claridon Twp. Born October 10, 1947, in Cleveland, to Sanford and Fay (nee: Klein) Tolchinsky. Al was a beloved Industrial Arts Teacher for 30 years, serving Crestwood, Berkshire, Newbury, Lakewood and retired from Madison School Districts. He wasContinue Reading

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In memory of Allen “Al” I. Tolchinsky, Lillian Tolchinsky lit a candle

Al was more than a an academic teacher, more than a coach, more to every person his life touched than anyone could know. Mr T. helped me in school, on the discus and shot put circles, as a Burton resident but most of all as a mentor and a friend. Al was my "go to guy" many times when I needed clarity. His insight, inspiration, smile and laughter always helped me see the bigger picture. Al was truely loved and appreciated by many for being true to himself and true to everyone else. I will miss him!!!!

Alan was a really special person. A gentle giant. He was so kind to my Mom when she was ill. Whoever knew him was better for it.

Condolences to the family. Coach T or Mr. T was my shop teacher and coach through my 7 -12 school years. I appreciate what he taught me and skills I learned to this day!

Al was in my life since birth. A dear friend to my parents i remember him adding more wood than necessary to bonfires at my parents pond while Josh, Robin and my sister played. He also gave me my first oxy-acetylene welding outfit. My heart goes out to Dawn Josh and Robin.

I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Mr. Tolchinksy from Newbury School. He will be missed. Much love from me to all of you.

Coach T is one of the reasons that I am who I am today. Without him in my life I wouldn't be where I am, and have all that I have. I owe this man more than I could ever repay. Rest easy Coach....

Betsy I can not tell you how much I wish I was there to put my arms around you and give you a hug and support at this time. Just know that I am thinking of you and your family. Your brother looked like such a gentle man with lots of love inside to give away. I am so very sorry. I have no idea what I would do if I lost my sister. Love you and think of you so very often.

Mr. T was the absolute best! I loved his woodshop class, and he made my 6 years at BHS special! I spent many hours helping Coach as a teacher’s aide & matmaid and those are some of my best memories. He was a very special man who was loved and will be missed by many. Sending love to Mrs. T, Robyn, Josh and all of his family.

I'm so sorry for your loss, thinking of you all.

Al will be missed by many. Thinking of you Dawn, Robyn, Rich, Josh, Rachel, Zack, Lilly and Evie. As well as his other family and friends. I have many wonderful memories of times shared with Al.

Dawn, Betsy, and the entire T family -- So sorry to lose Coach T. I have so many great memories -- from being a 7th grader on Coach T's first Jr High Team at Berkshire and through the years at Berkshire to helping paint his parents' home. He so positively impacted so many people in so many ways. Unfortunately I cannot attend the events this week, but definitely intend to be there in January. You are all in Alisa and my thoughts and prayers.

Thoughts and Prayers go out to the Tolchinsky Family. Please keep your Strength, Faith, Love and Memories close by. RIP Al., you will be missed!

I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences.

I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a very nice man.

So very sorry for the loss of our great neighbor and friend. Condolences to all the family and friends. Al will be greatly missed by many.

Al was a wonderful man who will be missed by so many. He has been in my life as long as I can remember, as a dear friend to my parents. One of my fondest memories of Al is him adding more fuel to already massive bonfires up by my parents' pond. He really enjoyed those fires! My thoughts are with Dawn, Robin and Josh and the rest of Al's family and friends.

In memory of Allen “Al” I. Tolchinsky, Lauren Cusack lit a candle

Robyn, my heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. Jeremy and I are so sorry for the loss of your dad and sending lots of love and comfort.