John "Buster" F. Toher

John “Buster” F. Toher, 73, of Dolgeville, New York, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Monday morning, January 23, 2023 in the comfort of his own home, with care from his loving wife, Cheryl.

He was born on September 14, 1949 in Little Falls, New York and was the son of the late, John and Frieda (Friedrich) Toher. John was educated at Dolgeville Central School and graduated with the Class of 1968. He then furthered his education at Hudson Valley Community College and earned an Associate’s Degree in Mechanics.

John was drafted into the United States Navy on June 10, 1970. His number was #1 for the draft and he proudly served as asked during the Vietnam War Era. On August 30, 1971, he was honorably discharged.

On March 24, 1972, John was united in marriage to Cheryl L. Ellis at the First Presbyterian Church in Dolgeville, New York. The couple shared a union of nearly 51 years together and raised their daughters, Kim and Kelly in a loving home.

John was formerly employed as an electrician for 30 years for Burrow’s Paper Mill in Little Falls, New York. He then went on to serve as the mill’s maintenance superintendent for an additional five years. In April of 2012, John retired after 35 years of employment for the company.

In his spare time, John was an avid sports fan. He loved football, especially supporting his local Dolgeville Blue Devils as well as national teams, the New York Giants and the Buffalo Bills along with the collegiate, Syracuse University Orangemen football team. John quite enjoyed playing football in high school and later in life earned him a membership into the Dolgeville Football Hall of Fame. He also was a big fan of the Yankees.

In his spare time, he enjoyed “Football Sundays” with his family, taking his grandkids fishing and to watch stock car races, and he loved all animals especially his two beloved dogs, Chipper and Chooie for whom he cherished dearly. In the last couple years of his life, the neighbor’s cat, Skittles, chose Buster as his special pal and Buster adored him. He enjoyed playing back and forth pranks with his brother-in-law, Terry. After the loss of his leg, he used his grandsons as accomplices to carry out his pranks on their beloved Uncle Terry.

In addition to spending time with his family, he couldn’t wait to go on his annual vacation to Cape Cod and spend time with his wife, and with friends who returned every season especially with Holly and Dan. A loving Husband, Father, Papa to his granddaughters, Pops to his grandsons, and a good friend, he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl L. Toher at home; two daughters, Kim Pierce and her husband, Jim Pierce of Dolgeville, NY, Kelly Baird and her husband, Bruce of Dolgeville, NY; his grandchildren, Katie Pierce of Potsdam, NY, Jamie Pierce, Kelcie Baird, Jacob Baird, and Joshua Baird all of Dolgeville, NY; a sister, Donna Amadon of Wasilla, AK; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Kevin and Linda Ellis of Marietta, GA, Marianne Ellis of Scituate, RI; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Frieda Toher, parents-in-law, Gordon and Beth Ellis, and a brother-in-law, Terry Ellis.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329. A funeral service will be held immediately following calling hours at 5 p.m. also at the Miller-Plonka Funeral Home with family Pastor Joe Famulare, Pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Little Falls, New York. The family will hold a reception following the service at the Dolgeville Volunteer Fire Department Banquet Hall which will start approximately at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend the services and reception. A spring graveside service will be held in Dolgeville Cemetery at a day and time to be announced.

The family would like to thank John’s doctor, Dr. Mario Carillo for his compassionate care for the last ten years.

In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorial contributions for the Herkimer County Humane Society, P.O. Box 73, Mohawk, New York 13470. Please include, “In Memory of John F. Toher” in the memo so that the donation can be acknowledged by his family.

To leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall and the memory book for the family.

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