Nicholas Toia

Nicholas "Nick" Toia Born in 1951 in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and raised in Beaver, passed away surrounded by the family he cherished above all else. Nick graduated from Clarion College and went on to earn his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh, beginning a lifelong commitment to helping others heal. He started his career as a therapist in the community mental health system before moving into private practice, where he treated hundreds of patients working to rebuild their lives after achieving sobriety. Nick had a rare ability to connect with people from every walk of life. Former patients and their families often reached out to thank him for the role he played in their recovery-a testament to his compassion, insight, and unwavering belief in people's capacity to change. In 1994, Nick married Debbie Friedman and joyfully became an instant father to her three children-Jake, Max, and Rachael Dizard-whom he loved deeply and proudly. His family was the center of his world, the source of his greatest happiness, and the anchor through every chapter of his life. Nick is also survived by his mother, Josephine Toia; his younger brother, Joe Toia; his sister, Joan Ciotti; and seven grandchildren, all of whom he adored and who brought him immense joy. He loved sports, especially racquet sports, both as a player and an enthusiastic spectator. Watching the US Open live was one of his greatest pleasures. He also loved traveling, movies (particularly those about World War II), good food, and laughter-especially his own. Nick had a gift for cracking himself up, and his humor brought levity and warmth to those around him. Nick faced more than his share of hardships: a brain tumor in his thirties, significant hearing loss in the decades that followed, and dementia later in life. Yet through every challenge, his love of life endured. He remained grateful, present, and deeply connected to the people he loved. Nick's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the family he adored, and the joy he brought into the world. Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:30 p.m. at the D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME LTD., 4522 Butler Street, Lawrenceville. A funeral service will follow at 1:30 p.m. Private burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations made in Nick's honor to Doctors Without Borders. www.dalessandroltd.com.

Nicholas Toia

June 7, 1951 - February 15, 2026