Melanie Marie “Mel” Toto
August 15, 1967 - May 11, 2020
Melanie Marie “Mel” Toto, age 52, of New Castle, DE, passed away tragically in a car accident on Monday, May 11, 2020.
Born in Darby, PA on August 15, 1967, she was a daughter of the late Sebastian A. “Buzzy” and Helen Loretta “Love” (Evancho) Toto. Mel worked as a correctional officer at George W. Hill Prison in Delaware County, PA for 17 years. In 2019, she was proudly awarded employee of the year. Mel was an avid Minnesota Vikings and New York Mets fan. Her favorite artist was Babyface, she loved listening to his music. Mel will always be remembered as a positive and strong person who would do anything for anyone.
In addition to her parents, Mel was preceded in death by her siblings, Raymond Toto, Sebastian Toto, Jr. and Marianne Sampson; and nephew, Anthony Toto. She is survived by her siblings, Eddie Toto (Danielle), Valerie Toto (Walt, Jr.), Sherrie Toto, Karl Toto and Helen Kerr (Robert); her pride and joy, nephew, Walt Thompson III; God father, Ralph Papa; and aunt, Esther Papa.
Services and interment will be held privately due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A public service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mel’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Ste. 105, Philadelphia, PA 19106, or the American Heart Association, 200 Continental Drive, Ste. 101, Newark, DE 19713.
Ed Toto
I have no words to express how I feel about this I am just so numb. Melanie I will I have always forever love you. You missed our mother so much that on her day she took your grieving pain away brought you home again to her. May your soul rest in peace. I will always remember and think about you and I will always miss you. I’m proud to be your oldest brother you were one great sister and sister in law and aunt. Danielle Cody and Melanie will miss how you could always make them laugh. You rest now. Love Forever Eddie Danielle Cody and Melanie.🙏🏻
Louann. Law
You are soo missed . The facility will not be the same with out you . You made a difference.
I know youre happy hanging out with your Mom and brother Ray .
Rest in Peace Melanie. Youre gone too soon but never will be forgotten .
Annica
Toto for the time I knew you, you were always nice and helpful to me. We both shared a hatred for the EAGLES and we got along well because of it. I’m going to miss seeing you in the morning and talking about Babyface. Take care of yourself in Heaven. Now you and your mother are together again. REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE BABYFACE’S #1 FAN
Shanika
Sorry that this had to happen its very tragic nice working with you Toto 😓
Crystal Heyward
Love you Toto you will always have a place in my heart .
Michael Miller
I had the honor to work with Melanie for her entire career at the prison. We had become closer over the past year when she came to work on third shift. I will miss our talks the happy ones and sad. We spoke the day before she was taken from this world about her mom and her family. She had so much love for all of you. Even in her grief she made sure to text the one’s she loved Happy Mother’s day because she always put others in front of herself. She will be missed by many and by myself. Rest easy friend.
A Lennon
Oh Toto I will greatly miss you greeting me with your chucky face. R.I.P my dear friend till we meet again. Fly high with your mommy blessings 🙏🏾🙌🏽😇❤️
Trish Brown
Love you Toto get your rest I’m gonna miss you texting me “Hi friend just checking on you “ you will never be forgotten this really hurts man … Heaven gained a amazing angel.
Shena Cummings
Toto I’m gonna miss you. I’m glad i has the pleasure to work side by side with you for almost 13 years. Thank you for being you and for having the biggest heart ever. My prayers go out to your family at this time. Love Lil Boots (what you called me)
Lisa Miller
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of CO Toto! Although we didn’t get along well while I was an inmate, since being released and completely changing my life, alot of the things she taught me have been put into play! She was an amazing woman who will not be forgotten. (And your little dog, too!) Lol CO Toto!
Chrissy Murrell
You will be missed beautiful ❤️
May you Rest In Peace Toto
Shwanna Lewis
Rest in peace Toto you will be remembered, I enjoyed our talks. Love Lewis
Jenae Forkay
Toto it was always a pleasure. I still don’t want to believe you are gone. We shared a lot of fun times, some good some bad. I will miss our talks. Your laugh was contagious!! I know I have been gone from the Hill for three now. I can feel the emptiness that the jail, and 9bravo will have now. It will never be the same friend I learned that segregation block from the best!!! You Mel. Not on we’re you committed and dedicated to your job. You also were dedicated to your friends and family. I loved you for that. RIP Toto
Tamika Bennett
Melanie you and I became friends over 17 years and I will never forget our friendship it was very unique from day one you always treated me like family .and that’s what we became my husband my children my mother and all of my siblings loved you and we are very saddened by this tragedy my heart hurts but being your friend I understand . I knew how much you missed your brother Ray and your #1 girl your mother. You will be truly missed. Eddie,karl Sherrie,Valerie and Helen aka junior I love you very much and I’m sorry for your loss
Sequista & Quannie
We love and miss you dearly Toto.
Until we meet again 🙏🏽
Sgt. Jones
Toto you will be missed. I can’t believe this is goodbye, whenever we encountered I knew I was gonna get a good laugh😅. You were an all around good person and a great friend to anyone you encountered. Rest well Melanie🙏🏽
Jenae Forkay
Toto I still can’t believe that you are gone. We shared some good times, and some bad times.I have been gone from the GWHILL for three years now. I know I feel the emptiness and tragic loss the jail and 9 bravo feel right now it will never be the same. I learned that segregation block from the best!!! You Mel!!! You were dedicated committed to not only your job but your friends. RIP Toto the best to run 9B
Bill Gallagher
We lose a good person a few days ago to our Lord. I know she is now with her mom and her siblings.
Ruthie Bennett
My dearest Toto words can never explain the emotions that I am feeling right now you have always been such a sweet and good hearted person to my sister and the rest of our family you are more than a friend you were family we will miss you dearly but you have your wings and your an angel now so fly high until we meet again I love you to ToTo ❤️🙏🏾😢
Nyeniai Wornor
Rest well my friend. You were one of the best that GWH could offer. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Shelley
I’ve worked with Toto for 15 years on the Hill. She disliked being posted in medical but I always enjoyed when she was there. She would crack me up with her dry sense of humor and always called me “Shell-Belle” We had a long heart-to-heart the day she returned to work following the passing of her mom. Her grief was palpable and difficult to assuage. I made it a point of asking her how she was doing whenever I saw her. Ricky Wells reached out to me on Monday to tell me of her passing. It was a gut-punch and we spoke of our utter disbelief. To Mel’s family….I hope you know just how much we all loved her. She will be sorely missed. There is a comfort knowing that she is reunited with her beloved mother. Rest in Peace. Till we all meet again.
Cynthia Turner Newsome
My deepest sympathy to the family. She will be missed.
Kysha selby
😥😥😥😥
Jay Clisby
May your soul rest in peace. You will be missed.
Johana O.
My sincere condolences To the entire Toto family. May God provide you with comfort throughout this very difficult time. May your beautiful sister/aunt Rest In Peace with her mother and family. Love Johana and the Chacon family. 🙏🏼
Lorie connelly
So sorry for the family’s loss.. Melanie was an amazing woman and will be missed. Rest easy
Love lorie, kevin, little kevin, and ronnie lynne connelly
LaKeysia Watson
You will be missed by all. I’m going to miss you and your bubbly self. Rest well Toto
Tracey mcginn
Gonna be missed by many RIP co toto
Kevin Devinney
Toto what an amazing person you were and always will be may you rest in peace. You are reunited with your mother once again. Please continue to be an Angel on every Correctional officer at GWHCF and your family. My condolences to your family. ;(
Jen Fagan
For five years, we watched over each other on Unit 9. It’s hard to believe that you have left us but I know you will be watching over us. Rest easy with your mom. Thank you
J Durst
Rest in peace Melanie Toto you were always there to listen always made me laugh you’re with your mother and family inHeavenly please
Dolores Womack
You will always be remember!!! Great worker, co-worker, friend…Rest in Peace my friend. 😢🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Joyce Fichera Wilson
My sincere condolences to your family, I’ll remember you all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Rest in peace Melanie
Ruthie
My dearest Toto words cannot explain the emotions that I’m feeling right now you where such a Beautiful loving and kind person with a big heart you show my sister and Our family so much love you weren’t just a friend you were family we will greatly miss you but you have your wings now 😇 until we meet again we love you and your memories will forever stay in our hearts
Darlene Marshall-Lee
Toto you will be truly missed, the day I got the call and my sister told me that you were gone it broke my heart 💔 but I know that your kindness and your loving ways God did not overlook…. Resting well my friend until the day we meet again. To Toto’s family I know that this is a devastating blow but God makes no mistakes and he would not allow his child to suffer…. I pray that he will bring your family strength and comfort during this trying time.🙏🏽😢💔🙏🏽😢💔
C/O Y Anderson
I Loved Toto she was a amazing Friend and Sister to me, We talked almost everyday, I will truly miss her and her beautiful smile and personality my heart 💜 is hurting right now. I Love her but God Loved her best. To the Family you have my heartfelt condolences and prayers she will be missed but never ever forgotten. If I can do anything just let me know, I am here for the Family Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel and she did get her wings. I am glad I had the pleasure of knowing this sweet, kind and loving woman Toto you will definitely be missed but never forgotten. I Love 💕 You Toto my sis’s poo.
Sandor lipcsik
I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you.
Tam Lynch
Rest Easy ToTo 🙏🏾🕊🙏🏾
Gloria Stokes
Such a loveable person, always joyful and courteous to others. Mel you will be missed, RIP
Karen Baxter
Todo was a great person and she will be greatly missed dhe was loved by many and things will never be the same.
Barbara Gott
My Prayers are with your entire family at this time of the tragic death of dearest Melanie who was a great kind and caring person.
Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us everyday.
Unseen, unheard, but always near.
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Barb &billy
Rest In Peace mel. Such a sad time this has been for your family. Billy and I will watch out for Helen and your billy (Rob) May you be in the arms of your loving mother 😢
Trisha Eckerd
My prayers go out to the family. I haven’t seen Mel in many years but my heart goes out to the family especially my sister Sherrie. 🙏 May you all have strength thru this sadness
Chrissy
I will not forget you. You made an impact on my life and will be remembered. May you rest in peace with the angels and my condolences to your family
Samantha
Wow, I am sadden by this. You clearly made a difference to so many. Noone could ever forget you.
Fly high up there .
Danielle Blythe
Wow my condolence to your family co toto. I remember the conversations we had when I was inmate not many liked you however I never had a problem. I’m sorry your not here r.i.p. I will say b-block will never be the same. Godbles you rest easy.
Sherrie Toto
Melanie, I do not believe your gone💔😢. You & I did not see eye to eye on a lot of things but I still loved you as deeply as I love all my siblings & family. I want you to know you were a great big sister & younger sister could have, you were protective, always upbeat & making everyone laugh especially I will miss you dancing with frosty the snowman ☃️ after dinner on Christmas. I so deeply wish you were still here but I know you are happy to be with Ray ( your bopsy twin) mommy & the whole family. I miss you immensely already & I do not know how I’m going to recover from this but know even tho we disagreed a lot my love for you was & is still very deeply there & will be there forever. Rest In Peace & you fly high up in that most beautiful place & know you will never be forgotten. I Love you with all my heart & soul & Miss you every minute of everyday already!!!! You are the bestest sister a girl could have!!! R.I.P. Mel 🙏❤️❤️💔😢
Debbie Klein Staats
Valerie, Walt and Walt Jr., I am so sorry to hear about your sister and aunt. Please know you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Johnstone
My thoughts and prayers to the Toto family. If your sister took after your brother and mom she must have been a wonderful lady. God bless
Shauna Madonna
My heart goes out to the Toto family during this difficult time. Mel was a great person, always smiling. She was always nice to me. She treated me like family every time I saw her. My deepest condolences. She will be missed.
Bernice Hampton
Rest In Peace Toto you will be missed. I thank God that I had you as a friend
You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. You are with your Mom now in heaven maybe you will meet my Mom, Love always
Bernice
Tina Henderson
I have known the Toto Family for a very long time. I am totally not understanding this at all a nice lady and a very good friend of mine. On her 21st B-Day we went to club and had a very nice time. I will miss the phone calls especially on B-Day’s. All the years I have known you have stepped up for any situation and now the Lord has asked you step up and take care of your family. I have no doubt you can do this.
I see from here you are truly missed by everyone you’ve touched.
Goodnight Melanie
Kevin Panarello
Toto ,
I’m not sure if there’s words that can truly describe the person you were . You touched the lives of so many people . You had a heart of gold 💛 and a smile that was so contagious that those around you couldn’t help but smile back . I know you were truly Devastated by the loss of your Mom . But I also know she was the first one there to take you home . Toto , It was an absolute honor to have worked with you.. I can still hear you say “ I got you Sarge “ . Please continue to watch over your fellow Officers as you did while you were here . You will always be remembered and you will always have a spot in the hearts of everyone that had the privilege to call you friend .
To your family ,
I pray that all of you find peace in knowing how loved Mel really was.. And cherish the memories you have of such a beautiful soul . 🙏🏻
Samantha Armstead
You will be deeply missed. I have never meet a person that Loves Babyface more than you. Rest in peace my friend, now you and mom and brother are dancing together again. You will always be remembered everytime we hear a Babyface song. Gone to soon.
Jacquelyn DeLuca
I’m so sorry to hear what happened such a tragedy……. R.I.P. TOTO…….
Angaria Johnson
Dearest Toto! Although you are gone , you will never be forgotten. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. Physically you are no longer with us, but I know in my heart and soul spirituality you are here. Until we meet again Rest In Peace my sister.
Joseph and Marie Toto
We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences and support to Melanie’s brothers and sisters and their families. May you have Peace in time and fond memories of Melanie.
Debbie Stephens
Mel -From the time my sister notified me of the possibility, to the time it was confirmed …words cannot express how I am feeling . Gone too soon. You, Tina and I shared some laughs, tears and crazy times in the past. I won’t say goodbye just so long for now.
Dottie Sanford
Helen and Rob,
My heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your dear sister. May God comfort you at this most difficult time.
Kendra
Having had the pleasure of working with her for many years, I am deeply saddened to never again hear her call my name and smile, “Ken”.
She was the BEST!
My condolences to the family!
She made the world better.
Heather Holt
C.o. Toto will be missed. To her family I’m very sorry for your loss.
Quinetta Green
Toto you will definitely be missed ,,I’m glad I had a chance to work with you,,, you were one of the best RIP officer M.Toto💜
Tiffany Silver
Toto, u will forever be missed yet not forgotten. It was a pleasure working with such a hard dedicated worker at the correctional facility. Such a tragedy and until we meet again u earned ur wings so fly heavenly with your mom and brother. 🧚♀️😔😥
Elizabeth DeFelice AJ
My heart goes out to the family. I had the opportunity to work w Ms. Toto many yrs ago n we lived in the same area when we were younger. She was a nice woman who would give u the shirt off her back. She will be missed. My prayers!!!
Arnetta Herbert
Rest Well ToTo!! You will be missed!!