Mr. Richard Michael Toland

Dick was born on September 29, 1946, in Evanston, IL to late Joseph Toland Sr. and Ann Fallon Toland.

Educated at St. Jerome grammar school in Chicago and Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL. He graduated from Notre Dame University in 1973 with a BA in literature.

He was inducted into the Army in October of 1967 and served in Vietnam in the Company C 3rd Battalion 7th Infantry 199th Light Infantry Brigade, and later in 11th Infantry Fifth Army until honorably discharged in October 1973. He received commendations of Combat Infantryman’s Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device. As a proud veteran he kept regular contact with the Veterans Administration and other veterans of the area.

After his military service Dick worked in Chicago as a reporter on the crime desk of the City News service which he found fascinating in deepening his understanding of the human condition.

In 1987 he moved to North Eastham to develop family-owned property in North Eastham and the construction of houses on the property. Since 2009 he also held various positions including news reporting, editing trade magazines, night auditor at Days Inn, sales associate at TJ Maxx, seasonal Assistant Harbor Master in Harwich, and as a summer ranger at the National Seashore Park. In 2021 Dick began work as Nauset District School Bus Driver with the Cape Cod Collaborative driving bus 407 for middle school choice students having a special rapport with that age group, a testament to his human understanding and mild demeanor. With his joyful way, he was known to be a delight to students as their daily chauffeur to and from school. The fellow bus drivers knew him as a “gentleman", “someone who always saw the bright side and had a kind word”, and “a good man."

Dick took seriously cultivating a vibrant spiritual life and was a devoted member of his parish Our Lady of Lourdes in Wellfleet where he served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. He also was a long-time participant in the book club at Holy Trinity parish in Harwich Port.

He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed reading books especially on history. He also found joy in caring for his cats. He was known for his wide smile and kind manner as an animated conversationalist eagerly sharing many stories and laughs.

Dick never married and is survived by a sister, Ann Serb of Chicago, IL and a brother Joseph Toland Jr. of San Diego, CA, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Robert Toland of Chicago, IL. He was a cousin of Fr., Gene Toland, MM of Eastham, MA.

A visitation will be held at Nickerson Funeral Home, located at 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA 02653, on July 10, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The funeral mass will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, located at 2282 US-6, Wellfleet, MA 02667, on July 11, 2025, at 10:00 am.

The committal service will be held at Massachusetts National Cemetery, located on Connery Ave, Bourne, MA 02542, on July 11, 2025, at 1:30 pm