Gregory Kevin Toy

Gregory Kevin Toy, age 56, of Kittanning, PA, peacefully passed away in his home on February 21st, 2024, following a courageous battle with appendix cancer.  Greg was born on August 2nd, 1967, to Clarence “Sonny” Toy and Mary “Mimi” Toy, and grew up alongside his beloved siblings Curt, Michele, Keith, and Mary “Cricket”. A few years after graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Greg married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer Susan Spangler, with whom he shared a beautiful union and brought four children into the world over the span of eight years. Greg's devotion to his family was unparalleled, and he treasured every moment spent creating memories with them.

Blessed with natural confidence and charisma, Greg excelled in various pursuits, notably in sports, particularly wrestling, during his youth. Raised in outside of Kittanning in the small village of Walkchalk, he fondly reminisced about playing baseball with his father and brothers, indulging in dirt bike rides with neighborhood friends, and enjoying camping trips with his family. Throughout his adolescence, Greg forged cherished memories hunting, attending family picnics, and attending NASCAR events with loved ones.

An astute entrepreneur, Greg embarked on his business journey in 1988 by founding "Toy’s Lawn Service," gradually expanding to establish a gift shop and greenhouse in West Kittanning named "Toy's Flowers & Landscape Supply" with his wife Jennifer in 1994. Greg’s sister Mary “Cricket” joined the company shortly thereafter and over the years, their enterprise evolved to include contracting services, responding to growing customer demand. Despite the challenges of balancing business responsibilities with raising four children and battling his illness, Greg's relentless work ethic and dedication saw him relocate the business in 2012. Rebranded as "Toy's Landscape Company," the venture thrived in its new location, with Greg's sons Ryan, Cody, and Jesse, along with brother Curt, joining the company ranks.

For Greg, work was not merely a means to an end but a passion. He found joy in engaging with customers, designing landscapes, working alongside his employees, and especially in operating heavy equipment. Even amid his illness, Greg eagerly anticipated returning to work, embodying his belief in hard work, integrity, and loyalty.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Greg cherished his role as a husband and father, relishing in shared experiences with his wife and children, whether it was weekends around the pool, embarking on family trips, or supporting his kids in their sporting pursuits. Greg found solace in outdoor activities like boating, camping, hunting, and riding his cherished Harley-Davidson motorcycle, fostering bonds with friends and family through his infectious humor and zest for life.

Diagnosed with the rare form of appendiceal cancer, pseudomyxoma peritonei, in 2006, Greg faced his illness with remarkable courage and resilience. Enduring multiple major surgeries and medical interventions, he defied the odds, inspiring all who knew him with his unwavering optimism and unwavering spirit. Greg's resilience and positive attitude left an indelible mark on his family and medical team alike.

Greg is survived by his devoted wife Jennifer; his children Ryan (Samantha Tougas), Cody, Carly, and Jesse Toy; his mother Mary "Mimi" Toy; his siblings Curtis (Pamela) Toy, Michele (Arthur) Bush, Keith (Michelle) Toy, and Mary "Cricket" Toy; and numerous cherished brother and sister in-laws, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Leroy "Sonny” Toy and his niece Chloe Noelle Toy.

Greg's legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will forever endure in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his warmth, humor, and unwavering determination.

Friends will be received from noon to 3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home, 200 S. McKean St., Kittanning, PA 16201.    Additional visitation will be held on Monday, Feb. 26 at First Baptist Church, 334 Arch St., Kittanning, Pa. from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Samuel O. Swick officiating.  Interment will follow in Croyle Cemetery, Adrian, PA.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to to Appendix Cancer Research Fund (APPEN) at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Please make checks payable to the University of Pittsburgh. Gifts may be mailed with a memo indicating that this gift is in memory of Greg Toy to UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, or make a gift online at upmchillman.com/donate.  

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