Obituaries
View our most recent obituaries for our Rochester and Victor locations.
Richard Nicholas Tosti
Add A Memories and Photos 
Posted by Aquinas Alumni Office on June 2, 2026
Performing “The City of New Orleans” with the Greece Choral Society with James Sandifer
Posted by JAMES ROY SANDIFER on May 31, 2026
God Bless our Aquinas Brother.
The boys at Mary’s Place thought Dick Tosti was a riot. He taught them to play the guitar, and was very successful at it. He entertained them, laughed with them, and they teased him a little bit when they discovered that he could not find Texas on a map of the United States. The map hung on the wall to help them learn the geography of their adopted country. They were Burmese refugees via Thailand, and some of them could scarcely speak English, but they could surely understood Dick’s guitar and he was as impressed with them as they were with him. But what kind of dummy can’t find Texas on a map? Dick was no dummy. He was a selective learner, and what he learned is a lesson for us all, and much of that lesson can be found in this simple story. Let’s start with something he knew all about. He knew everything there was to know about old movies. He had a collection of them, the film versions, and he would invite people over to watch them in the theatre he made out of his small apartment on Seth Green Drive. We would sit in the “balcony”, with our heads nearly touching the ceiling, and eat popcorn while watching the movies that he projected onto a huge screen that covered the entire wall of what would have been his bedroom, but only after giving our tickets to the “ticket agent” at the door who, of course, was Dick himself. The tickets were free, and that’s part of the lesson. The guitar lessons Dick gave the Burmese refugee boys were free, too, as was just about everything else Dick gave the world. He never really understood the concept of money, hence the reason he gave so much of his talent away. He went far beyond teaching guitar. He carried me at garden parties, church functions, and even in the Blahs Concert with the Greece Choral Society, and he never asked for a dime. And, for all that, some say that he was overpaid for guitar lessons! The world could never have paid Dick Tosti enough for all he did and for all he left behind. He left the world as a creditor, not as a debtor. So what is the lesson that Dick taught us? I’d say that if you have a gift, share it. Don’t keep it to yourself. Share it. Dick shared his gift. He wasn’t well compensated for it, but he shared it anyway and perhaps that was compensation enough. He shared his gift, and so should we.
Performing “The City of New Orleans” with the Greece Choral Society with James Sandifer
We're so sorry to learn of Dick's passing. Music is a wonderful way to connect with people and we're happy he did that for so long. We're sure you will miss him and treasure your memories of him. Lynn & Pam
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Richard. We were at AQ together and always remember Latin 2 class. Richard helped me every day during class since I was struggling. I did see him at a couple of reunions. Condolences to family. He is playing a guitar in heaven. RIP Joseph R. Trovato Palos Verdes Estates CA.
Thought's and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Richard you were always so healthy and looked 20 years younger. I was shocked to hear of your passing. You were such a great musician, I always thought you should have made it in the music industry. For those who would like to hear some of Richards music, please do a search on youtube for Richard Tostie. Richard you are also responsible for getting me started collecting film. Before knowing you I heard this guy had a print of Star wars in his home, I had to see it to believe it. Sure enough, Richard screened the print for us on a 10 foot wide screen. I was forever bitten by the bug. Richard you left us with plenty of good memories, you are missed. Thank you for being a friend. Your family has another angel looking down on them. RIP Richard. My condolences to Richard's family.