William C. Toennigs, a lifelong resident of Beacon, died on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence in Newburgh. He was 94.
Son of the late Emil and Jessie (Horton) Toennigs, he was born in Beacon on January 5, 1921. Bill was inducted into the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served with the Seabees throughout various parts of the world including Okinawa and Alaska.
Bill was the founder of Toennigs Construction, which he owned and operated for more than 40 years. He will be remembered as an extraordinary and dedicated hard-working business owner. He singlehandedly cleared five acres of land and built his house which was made of stone.
An avid horseman, he raised and bred quarter horses on his property. He enjoyed trail riding up until his 80s.
In 2013, he was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie Provinck Toennigs.
He is survived by his daughter, Maggie Manglass of Beacon; his grandson, Todd Manglass of Wakefield, RI along with his daughters Sophia & Madeleine; his granddaughter, Nicole Manglass & her partner Paul Polletta of Poughkeepsie; his sister, Jesse Avello of Poughkeepsie; and many other loving relatives & friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was also predeceased by seven siblings and his son-in-law, Paul Manglass.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30th at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1st at the funeral home, followed by interment at St. Joachim Cemetery in Beacon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence, c/o Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550; www.hospiceoforange.com.
For driving directions, online condolences, and memorial donations, please visit Bill's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.