William Herbert O'Toole's Obituary
William Herbert Patrick O’Toole, who was known as Bert to all who knew him, passed away on February 22, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was 90 years old.
Bert was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia on July 11, 1931, to John Vernon “Buck” O’Toole and Dorothy Walker O’Toole. He was baptized in the Catholic Church and raised in Fredericksburg, a city he loved so much that even in his recent battle with dementia, he could recognize homes around town and remember who had lived in them. His favorite place to play as a child was Alum Springs Park.
In his high school years, Bert attended James Monroe High School and Belmont Abbey, graduating from James Monroe. After graduation, he joined his brother John in the operation of O’Toole Tire Service, a business established by their father, Buck O’Toole.
Bert married his high school sweetheart from Spotsylvania, Hazel Peek. They had five children, eleven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. His faith was important to him, and he served many years in St. Mary Catholic Church, first as an altar boy, then as an usher, a lector, and a board member. He remained a faithful member all his life. All of his family and friends appreciated his chivalry, humble heart, and humor.
Bert served for ten years as a Magistrate in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County. He also worked for Cox & Johnson Insurance, launched a campaign for a city office, and finished his working years in the hotel industry at the Best Western and Hampton Inn of Fredericksburg.
Bert was known for his prowess on the athletic field, playing football and basketball in high school. His interest in football led him to become a member of the Northern Virginia Football Officials, and Bert then went on to help develop the Rappahannock Valley Football Association. He officiated at many state championships in Virginia and Maryland.
His passion for golf started in his youth at the Fredericksburg Country Club and led to many hours on the course, hitting his second hole-in-one when in his 70s. Bert was a member of the Rod and Gun Club, where he once successfully scored 50 consecutive shots while skeet shooting. He was also an avid quail and dove hunter and enjoyed training his hunting dogs. In his later years, Bert tended his fishponds and made wine to share.
Bert is survived by his wife of 70 years, Hazel Peek O’Toole, and their five children, Timothy (Susan) O’Toole, Gregory (Joy) O’Toole, Bryan O’Toole, Kathleen (Phillip) Atkins, and Daniel (Elizabeth) O’Toole; grandchildren, Jennifer, Gavin, Avery, Colleen, Trevor (Danielle), Shaun (Holley), Ashley (Ben), Johnathan, and Gabrielle O’Toole, MacKenzie Atkins (Darren) Pope, and Will Atkins; and eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nephew Kevin (Pam) O’Toole.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy O’Toole, and his brother, John G. O’Toole.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation for Darryl Jones and the entire Hospice Team for their wonderful care of their beloved husband and father.
A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church preceded by a Rosary at 1:00 p.m. The burial will immediately follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Mary’s Shelter, or Tunnel to Towers.
An online guest book is available at www.foundandsons.com.
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