Stephen J. Tota, 93, of Bellingham and formerly of Natick, died Monday, June 4 2018, surrounded by loving family at The Brookdale at Cushing Care Center in Framingham. He was the beloved husband of Eva W. (Montagna) Tota, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.
A Natick resident for over 60 years, he was born in Framingham, the son of the late Paul and Mary (Giove) Tota.
Mr. Tota served the town of Natick as a firefighter for 32 years, retiring as a Lieutenant in 1981. While a firefighter, he also installed hardwood floors. In retirement, he worked as a barber in the family business.
He was a proud Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served in World War II, including on board the USS Mount Olympus from 1944 to 1945. The USS Mount Olympus was awarded two Battle Stars in the Asiatic-Pacific theater.
On September 2,1945, he was on board the USS Mount Olympus in Tokyo Bay within eyesight of the USS Missouri as the Japanese Instruments of Surrender were signed, ending World War II.
He was a member of the Natick Elks and Natick American Legion. He also enjoyed golfing and traveling, taking many trips to Italy to visit relatives, with whom he and Eva have maintained close, lifelong relations.
Most important was his family; they were the center of his life, especially the cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was the father of Paul F. Tota and his wife Barbara of Ashland, Joanne M. Fuller and her husband Tom of Portsmouth, NH, Carol J. Ermanski and her husband Paul of Ipswich, Joseph J. Tota of Barkhamsted, CT, Susan J. Almeida of Ashland, Diane M. Trask and her husband Steven of Franklin, the late Stephen S. Tota and his wife Sherry of Auburn.
He was the grandfather of Matthew, Sarah, Amanda, Stephen, Robert, Kristen, Cheri Herdman and her husband Brian, Paul, Joseph, Ryan, John, Charles, Connor, Cameron, Isabella, Brayden, and great-grandfather of Avery and Callie.
He was the brother of Robert Tota and his wife Barbara of Natick, and was predeceased by Sara Pasacane and her husband John, Michael Tota and his wife Aileen, Bruna Cusumano, and Lucy Crnobori and her husband Stanley. He is survived by his many cherished nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral service on Wednesday, June 13, at 11:30 A.M. in the Chapel of the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, at Natick Common.
Visiting hours are Wednesday morning at 10 prior to the service. The internment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice, or to Dr. Reardon’s Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.