William Daniel Toole

He was born in Chicago, Il., and was the son of Evelyn and Lawrence Toole.

He is survived by his wife and mutual companion in life’s ideas, Anne Cross Toole. He is also survived by his daughters: Pilar Toole and her partner Ruth of Mustang, Okla., Britt Sweitzer-Howe and her wife Sally of Maynard, Mass., and Andrea Plewak and her husband Toby of North Easton, Mass. He leaves three beloved grandchildren, Stanley and Eddie Plewak, and Freddie Sweitzer-Howe. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Bob Cross and his wife Diane of Frederick, Md.; and by his sister and soulmate June Spinner of Idlewild, Calif. He is survived by other members of his extended family and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his stepson, Lorenzon Jay Delander.

He served in World War II in the Pacific Theater from 1943-1946 as a Naval gunner in B-24s. Following his discharge from the service, he attended Rutgers and Clark Universities, and received his B.A. in Economics at the University of Connecticut, cum laude, in 1951. After serving as an economist in Washington, D.C., he received his master’s degree in City Planning from MIT in 1954. He became a full member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (ACIP).

He served as city planner in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Director, Office of Planning and Chief of Commonwealth Projects, Urban Renewal and Housing Corp., Santurce, Puerto Rico; Head of Community Planning, state of New Mexico; Planning Director and Urban Renewal Administrator., Springfield, Mass.; Model Cities Director and Community Advisor, Hartford, Conn.; and Executive Director, Southeast Regional Planning and Economic Development District, Marion, Mass. He served several years as private urban and planning consultant, partner in general contracting firms, and owner of a flying service. He was once referred to as the “Prince of Planners.”

After retirement as a full-time city planner, he was a Director of Housing and Rehabilitation in many places including Dudley, Marshfield and Provincetown. He served from 1994-1997on the Hyannis Airport Commission, one year as Chairman . From 1997-2000, he worked for the B-Bus. From 2002 to 2005 he served in the Senior Environmental Corp, a branch of Americorps.

Bill was noted principally for his love of family, music, flowers, cooking, and his strong opinions on politics and human rights. He was eager to discuss any issue. He was famous for his apple pies and his 7-layer chocolate cakes. He had a passion about cars, and was a man before his time in technology, design and inventions. He was also a friend of Bill W.

Along with his wife, Anne, he enjoyed many trips to several countries, and in particular, trips to their favorite spot in the South of France, where he could pick cherries off the trees.

A joyful memorial service to remember Bill will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at the Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 W. Main St., Hyannis. Burial will be private at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to a charity of your choice.

For directions and online condolences, please visit www.doanebealames.com