Born in Albania, he was a political prisoner before escaping to the United States. He went to beauty school and within three years opened his first salon in Birmingham, Michigan. He moved to Sarasota in 1974 and continued the business to the present. He loved traveling with his family. Tonin was active in backgammon and held backgammon games in Sarasota. He was 81 years old.
Tonin is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Annthonia, their beloved daughter, Bianca and his nephew Nils (Ludmila) Dika.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 12 at 11:00 am at Palms-Robarts Funeral Home,170 Honore Avenue, Sarasota.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sarasota County Friendship Meals on Wheels, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, FL 34236 or the John Lamensdorf Memorial Trust, 1428 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34239.
