Nicholas Toronto, Jr.

In Loving Memory- Dr. Nicholas Anthony Toronto, Jr., M.D.

June 1, 1935 – October 10, 2025

Nicholas Anthony Toronto, Jr., M.D., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, physician, storyteller, and singer, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born on June 1, 1935, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and raised in the small railroad town of Conemaugh, Nick’s journey began beside the clanging of steam engines and the soda fountain of his father’s drugstore — Toronto’s Drugstore. By the age of 14, he was known as the town’s best soda jerk, creating sundaes and sodas with flair and heart.

From a young age, he knew he wanted to be a doctor. His first “medical practice” began at YMCA camp, where he served as a counselor and played the “medicine man” in campfire ceremonies. The patient always got better, a tradition he kept for the rest of his life.

Nick graduated from high school in 1953 then pursued higher education at the University of Pittsburgh, where he sang with the Pittsburgh Glee Club and earned his undergraduate degree then continued straight into medical school. He worked summers as a Good Humor man where long hours, great tans (on the arms and face only), and lots of ice cream funded his education.

During his first year of medical school, he met the love of his life, student nurse Bernice “Bunny” Havranek. He often said he never recovered from falling head over heels for her. They married and built a life full of adventure, family, and purpose. After completing his medical training and internship, he served with distinction as a physician in the United States Air Force, stationed in Karamursel, Turkey, where he was the commander of a small military hospital. Together, they raised two children, Tami and Nicholas, and were later blessed with three grandchildren: Alex, Lindsay, and Nicolette, and three great-grandchildren: Arabelle, Olive, and Pepper.

The time they spent in the Middle East sparked a lifelong passion for travel, taking Nick and Bernie across the globe — from Ephesus to Greece, Russia to Australia, Alaska to Cape Horn, and on more than 30 cruises, many shared with family.

Following his military service, he practiced family medicine in Saegertown, PA, Omaha, NE, Pittsburgh, PA, and eventually settled in Arizona, where they lived for over 40 years, “shoveling sunshine” and creating lasting memories. Doctor Toronto practiced mostly in private practice and was always deeply dedicated to his patients and profession.

Outside of medicine, Nick lived a full and joyful life. He sang in church choirs, often delivering heartfelt solos. He was a passionate fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Nebraska Football, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. A proud Disney fanatic, he celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary at the Magic Kingdom, and he held a lifelong love for the golden voice of Mario Lanza and classic films.

Nick and Bernie embraced every chapter of life together — from horseback riding and snowmobiling to building dream homes on a lake and the desert. Their sense of adventure was an inspiration to all who knew them.

He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, integrity, humor, and love of ice cream. He healed many, inspired countless, and made the world a warmer, more magical place.

A celebration of life will be held at PVUMC at 10am on Saturday, 13 December 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dr. Nicholas A. Toronto’s honor to The Singletons (thesingletonsaz.org) 2832 E Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032 (480) 818-5285.