Anthony (Tony) Toldo

Entrepreneur, philanthropist

Anthony (Tony) P. Toldo, a successful entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist, spent much of his life giving back to the community of Windsor. He donated millions of dollars to support numerous organizations and causes, focusing primarily on vital health services. Over the course of a 64 year career, Tony Toldo established several manufacturing businesses in three countries, employing upwards of a thousand people. His first company, Telso, began operating in 1964. He then moved on Centoco Manufacturing and Peter Anthony Design, manufacturing a range of items including furniture for fast-food restaurants.

In 2003, Toldo responded to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty’s thanks for his contributions by encouraging the province to begin working toward a medical school in Windsor, saying “Medical education is important to us all. And, I wanted a medical school for the next generation. It may never benefit me, but I felt it was important for me to advocate for, and I want to thank everyone who helped along the way”. Three years later, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care made the announcement that Toldo’s vision would become a reality in 2008/2009, with the opening of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.  In addition to these efforts, Toldo was a dedicated supporter of The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County and the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre.

Only nine years old when he immigrated to Canada from Italy, Toldo went on to become a Member of the Order of Canada, as well as a Member of the Order of Ontario. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Windsor. That same university is also the location of the Anthony P. Toldo Health Education Centre, a result of funds provided by Toldo. He established the Toldo Foundation to build on his legacy of generosity, which continues to give back to the community. For example, a $1 million donation was made to St. Clair College, toward the Anthony P. Toldo Centre for Applied Health Sciences, unveiled in 2014.

Mr. Toldo passed away from cancer at age 84, on October 29, 2009.

Sources:

CBC News. (Oct. 30, 2009). Tony Toldo, philanthropist, dies at 84. Retrieved February 15, 2018.

CBC News. (Nov. 4, 2009). Tony Toldo remembered as a “wonderful man“. Retrieved February 15, 2018.

St. Clair College Alumni Association. (Winter 2014). St. Clair College Receives $1 Million Donation from the Toldo Foundation. Retrieved February 15, 2018.

University of Windsor. Toldo Health Education Centre. Retrieved February 15, 2018.

The Windsor Star. (Oct. 31, 2009). Anthony Peter “Tony” Toldo Obituary. Retrieved February 15, 2018.