Philip Brennan Toole

Philip Brennan Toole, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by his grateful family on Sunday July 3. Born in Pawtucket, RI in 1931, Phil was the son of Frank and Clare (Coughlin) Toole. He leaves his beloved wife Jeanne (Fiore) of 63 years and two daughters, Martha Mary Murray (Michael) of Warwick and Maura Legare (Robert) of East Greenwich. He also leaves five adoring grandchildren; Michael T. Murray Jr. (Gillian), Philip T. Murray, and Robert, Daniel and Mae Legare. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Brynn, Morgan and Emerson Murray. Raised in Pawtucket, Phil graduated from St. Raphael Academy in 1948 and was perhaps the University of Notre Dame’s proudest graduate of the class of 1952. His lifelong love of his Alma Mater was a hallmark of nearly everything he did, spiritually and socially, cheering on the Fighting Irish every Saturday each fall, often in person in South Bend and various venues throughout the country. An advertising man by trade, Phil harnessed his sharp creativity and keen intellect in a successful career that traversed the Boston and Providence markets throughout the course of his 50-plus year career in the business, finally retiring well into his 80’s. He was a founding partner of the former Fitzgerald Toole & Co. and eventually went into solo practice at Philip B. Toole, Inc. His civic and philanthropic pursuits were countless, but most were rooted in his firm Catholic faith, dedication to Catholic Education and the Diocese of Providence, and again, his beloved Alma Mater, Notre Dame. A daily communicant, he was a former chair of the Catholic Charities Fund Appeal in 1971, a past president of the Bishop Russell J. McVinney Foundation for vocations, and was bestowed the honor of Knight of St. Gregory by Pope John Paul II. And when he wasn’t working, celebrating his grandchildren’s accomplishments and milestones, or volunteering his time and talents, Phil could be found on the golf course, either at Wannamoisett Country Club where he was an enthusiastic member for several decades, or with his peers on the RIGA Seniors. He was also a dedicated lifetime member of the University Club, Providence, having served as President and being named Man of the Year, and fulfilling the role of the Club’s Santa for 25 years. He was predeceased by his two older brothers, William K. Toole, III and Frank J. Toole, Jr., and leaves several adoring nieces and nephews. A true gentleman in every sense of the word, Phil was a dapper dresser, loved Dixie music, playing the boombass, Weekapaug, staying connected with fellow golfers, classmates and neighbors, and showering uninhibited affection on the family dogs. We will deeply miss his quick wit, ready smile, sparkling eyes, welcoming arms and gentle demeanor. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, July 7 at 11:00 A.M. in Saint Margaret Church, 1098 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford. Calling hours are respectfully omitted and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, and for those wishing to honor Phil’s legacy and commitment to Catholic Education, contributions to the Tom and Terri Murphy Foundation for Inclusion in Catholic Education, 378 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI 02818 would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements by Costigan-O'Neill Funeral Home, www.oneillfuneralhomes.com.