Eric Daniel Toye

When Eric Daniel Toye walked into the room, those in his company felt energy, an enthusiastic spontaneity. This was just one example of who Eric was and how he impacted those around him. Eric was a clever and gregarious person who always sought out the finest attributes in other people. It was as if Eric wanted to share all of their experiences, revel in their lives and celebrate their discoveries. Eric was tireless and had boundless enthusiasm that would serve him well throughout his life.

      Eric was born on April 17, 1987 at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the son of Gary and Sharon Toye. Eric's middle name was chosen to honor Daniel Pontarelli, close family friend and mentor to his dad. Eric was raised in Warwick and Coventry, Rhode Island. Always at the ready with a good joke, he grew up to be quite a humorous person. While some who knew Eric might describe him as an idealist, his friends and family understood well that Eric was always in pursuit of life’s endless possibilities and opportunities available to him.

      Eric was raised with two siblings. He had an older sister, Melinda (Mindy) and an older brother Justin. Eric was very accepting and supportive of his family. He was perceived as the central person in his family in terms of keeping communication open between the family members. These traits served Eric well in his adult life and, along with his wit, outgoing personality, and understanding of others, drew the admiration of many who knew him.

      As a young boy, Eric was able to empathize and identify with a vast array of people and personality types. This quality drew him into a diverse group of friends and acquaintances. Eric was intelligent and had little trouble getting along with his peers. He was almost always the first to jump in when it came to playing games or participating in other childhood activities. Eric took part in football and wrestling. He was a wrestler for Coventry High School and Lexington High School in Lexington, SC. In his spare time he liked to play with his friends. Eric's memorable achievements included earning many trophies and ribbons for his excellence in wrestling including Second Place in the New England Regional Championships. Eric had the ability to find amusement in almost anything that was inappropriate and almost any activity he and the many childhood friends he shared might discover.

      During his high school years, Eric was regularly in search of one adventure after another. He attended Coventry High School and Lexington High School, Lexington, SC. Eric earned his General Education Diploma in 2008. For Eric, school often became just an extension of playtime, thanks to his ability to turn just about anything into a game. His teachers enjoyed his personality while enduring the challenge to keep Eric focused on the task at hand. Classmates considered Eric a good listener, knowing that when necessary, they could go to him to discuss just about anything. His favorite class in high school was English. Eric was an excellent and talented writer. The teachers he enjoyed learning from the most was Miss Tasca and Mrs Peasley. Eric was remembered by his friends as someone who was kind, gentle and always looked out for the underdog. Although he was very popular, he always kept an eye out for those people on the fringes. One of the people who benefited from his generosity was Allie Hartman Hillville, who wrote his parents the following note: "I find it in my heart to tell you my story with your son after reading his obituary for it reminded me of the days when i was a so called "under dog". Make a long story short I was bullied and picked on and he was always so kind and friendly when others were not. He stood up for me and walked beside me in the hallways to make sure no one would pick on me. I will forever be grateful to your sweet, kind hearted son for simply being my friend."

      With a talent for making acquaintances easily which in turn brought him an endless stream of friends, Eric was very sociable and could blend without effort into any social group. Assertive and outgoing, Eric was easy to know and demonstrated a deep concern for others. He always seemed aware of what was going on with people around him and throughout his life he made many, many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Johnny Martin, Eric Governo, Chuck Nelson, Cassie Cordiero, Jason Boucher, Steve Corder and his favorite friend, his cousin Randy Jenkins. They were like brothers. Later in life, he valued and continued his friendships with Randy, Chuck, Jason and Steve and Lonnie Morris, Head Wrestling Coach at Johnson and Wales and a former teacher and mentor at Coventry High School.

       Eric's skill at “building bridges” played an important role in his ability to build enduring relationships with people of any age. Eric had a special relationship with Ashley Amaral the mother of his children. They had planned to move into his new home and raise Rylan and Zoey together with the strong family values they both enjoyed growing up. Eric was tenderhearted and sensitive, qualities that served him well in helping to nurture his family.

      Eric was a loving dad who cherished his children. For Eric, parenting was an important part of his life and he always desired to give his children the kind of loving childhood he enjoyed. Eric was blessed with two children: one son, Rylan and one daughter, Zoey.

     Although he was innately very intelligent Eric enjoyed working with his hands and had many jobs in construction. Eric was an exceptional and dedicated worker who loved learning new things and thrived under the tutelage of those who were experts in whatever field he was working. Whether installing fences, drywall, painting or moving and installing appliances, Eric always wanted to learn the method that would exhibit the best result. He was employed in the Columbia, SC area with Ryan Brewer Fencing; On Time Services and Two Men and a Truck. Eric always jumped in with two feet and learned all he could about whatever task he had before him. Eric had the uncanny ability to identify a win/win solution to just about any problem, possibly because of his gift for insight. Eric's fellow workers saw him as a supporter and a mentor.

     Eric loved fishing with his cousin Randy. Having suffered a traumatic brain injury during a wrestling match, Eric developed epilepsy and suffered from frequent Grand Mal seizures. Because of this, Eric was a devout advocate for the use of Medical Marijuana. He obtained his permit to grow for the State of RI and was extremely knowledgeable of canabanoids and how their diverse chemical compounds exhibited various beneficial medical effects including pain management, relief from seizure disorders, etc. Eric had a knack for being able to multi-task in order to create time for all of his favorite pastimes. However, Eric's ever-present concern for others always took precedent.

      Eric derived much satisfaction from participating in and watching sports. His competitive spirit, charisma, supportive nature and ability to improvise when called upon to do so all made perfect attributes for enjoying a great many sporting activities. In high school, Eric wrestled in the 103 lb weight class earning many awards, trophies and ribbons including 2nd place in the New England Regional Championship. Eric was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Football, especially the New England Patriots; Collegiate Wrestling, especially Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island and Iowa State.

      Eric was a young man who lived his faith. He was not one to put stock in earthly possessions, but would rather give what he had to someone who needed it. He attended various churches with his parents including Praise Tabernacle in Cranston, RI and First Church of the Nazarene in Columbia, SC. During that time, he was involved in the youth groups at each church he attended. He was sympathetic and able to empathize with others and he used these qualities to the fullest while working tirelessly for his beliefs.

      Though he never did anything solely for individual recognition, Eric's ingenuity, resourcefulness, and selflessness, earned him accolades for his many lifelong efforts. Some of his most prestigious awards included his wrestling awards, however, he is best known for his unconditional loyalty to his friends and his gentle, kind giving spirit.

      Eric loved vacations and traveling with his family. His favorite vacations were ones that were not planned. Traveling in a casual manor fit his personality well. Excited about seeing changing scenery and constantly looking for the enjoyment life could offer, Eric took his vacations seriously, well, as seriously as he possibly could. Favorite vacations included trips to Disney; camping in New England and the Toye Family Christmas Cruise to the Caribbean with his family.

      Eric was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His iguana, who he enjoyed for 3 years. His family was rounded out by three Pugs Kalee, Emma, Sophie and an African Grey Parrot, Mya who loved to yell his name and each night says "Goodnight, I love ya" in Eric's voice.

      Eric Toye passed away on October 10, 2014 and earned his angel wings at the new home he was so proud of in Cranston, RI. Eric fought epilepsy for all of his adult life. He is survived by his parents Gary and Sharon; his brother Justin; sister Dr. Melinda Capaldi; brother in law Vincent F. Capaldi II, MD; nieces Gia and Eva; beloved son, Rylan; his precious daughter Zoey; their mother Ashley Amaral; Grandparents Al and Leona Stanford and Frank Toye; Aunts Diana Gamble, Lisa Toye, Chris Tartaglia, Mary and Debbie Stanford; Uncles Michael Toye, Wade Gamble, Tom and Glen Stanford and Bill Tartaglia; Cousins Robert and Lisa Harris, Corey and Courtney Harris, Chanelle Hawkins, Angel Jenkins-Doyle; Emily and Rachel Gamble, Austen Toye, Ashley Guarino, Stephen Tartaglia, Dawn Ramieri; Jeannie Mayhew, Cathy Griffioen, Jim Stanford, Melodie Siverd and Scott Stanford. Services were held at Pontarelli Marino Funeral Home, Providence RI. Eric was laid to rest in the Pontarelli family lot at Swan Point Cemetery Group 433; Lot 14 Space 5.

      There was always a certain style and inventiveness to Eric. He was a dynamic, self-expressive person who was forever looking to celebrate the endless possibilities life had to offer. He had a knack for being clever, creative and witty, and for others, was a joy to be around. While he was often fiercely independent, it seemed as if many others looked to Eric Toye for inspiration, leadership, wisdom and even courage. Eric was always more than willing to share life’s experiences with his loved ones.

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I know that obituaries are all about stats, dates and times, and I'll get to those, but first I want to tell you a little bit about our beloved son. From the time he was very young, Eric was prone to mischief - a true life Dennis the Menace who loved life and everybody in it. He was comfortable wherever he was. The Bible says that we should be content, regardless of whatever state we are in-- Eric took that passage literally. He was one of the most kind-hearted people I've ever known. Eric was always a champion for the underdog and would stand up for anyone he thought was not treated respectfully, whether he knew them or not. He always shared whatever he had with anyone in need. If he had one and you needed two, he'd give you his and find a way to get you the second - without question or reservation.

He was fiercely proud of his brother, Justin and his sister Melinda. A loyal brother, he would always boast about them to everyone he knew. He loved his children Rylan and Zoey with all his heart; they were his pride and joy, along with their mother Ashley. They often told each other "I love you a circle" because a circle has no end. Eric moved back to RI to be close to Ashley and his children. He wanted so much to provide them with a good life.

Eric wrestled in middle and high school and was passionate about the sport. He took second place in the New England Regional wrestling championships in the 103 lb. weight class. Eric suffered a brain injury during a match which caused him to develop epilepsy.

Because of his illness, Eric became a devout advocate for the legalization of medical marijuana. He was extremely knowledgeable about how the plant should be cultivated to tailor the effects for specific illnesses. Eric held strong, even in the face of ridicule, to his conviction that medical marijuana was a resource for healing and comfort that too many either overlook or dismiss.

To say that Eric never met a stranger would be an understatement. He was an exceptional son and had so much more to share with the world. His untimely passing on Friday, October 10th, leaves us with an incomparable sadness. He and his cousin Randy are probably making plans to go fishing on the glassy sea in heaven.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved children, Rylan and Zoey Toye and their mother, Ashley Amaral of Coventry, RI; parents, Gary and Sharon (Stanford) Toye of Lexington, SC; sister, Dr. Melinda Capaldi, brother in law Dr. Vincent F. Capaldi, II, and nieces Gia and Eva Capaldi of Silver Spring, MD; brother Justin Michael Toye of Lexington, SC; maternal grandparents, Albert and Leona (Hill) Stanford of Cranston, RI; and paternal grandfather, Frank Toye of Lexington, SC. Waiting for his arrival in heaven are his paternal grandmother, Diann (Walsh) McCarthy, his beloved cousin Randy Jenkins Doyle, his aunt Judy (Toye) Jenkins and his Uncle Bobby Toye.

When Eric was born, his dad was an apprentice at the then Corbett, Quirk, Pontarelli Home. Eric's middle name "Daniel" was to honor Dan Pontarelli for his lifelong kindness and friendship to the Toye family. Dan and his dedicated staff will once again help us through this difficult time; services will be held at the PONTARELLI-MARINO Home, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence, RI on Thursday at 11am. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Wednesday, 4-7pm. Interment will take place in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Toye Children Trust Fund at the following link: www.donationto.com/ericskids.

Please help us keep Eric's memory alive by doing something nice for someone today - give a little of yourself, share a smile, speak a kind word or show someone some love.