David “Tobey” W. Tobias

DATELINE: WARWICK

David Tobias, 83, a long time Warwick resident, went to the great ballfield in the sky on August 7, 2020.  Born on April 15, 1937, in Forest Hills, MA, to Norman and Helen (Mazur) Tobias, he spent his youth in the Brookline, MA, area, graduating from Brighton High School in 1954.  He moved to Cranston, RI, in 1965, after the birth of his second daughter.

David was a salesman, working first in Boston for his father selling furniture.  Upon relocation to Cranston, he started his career selling office supplies at Atlas Stationary.  He worked for Paramount Office Supply for many years, and then moved to MacIsaac, which became Staples.  David retired from WB Mason (Who But, as he fondly called it) after 40+ years in the industry.  However, he gathered pens wherever his retirement took him, and always had one to share.

Ever the sports fan, his passion was the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.  He could also watch a Celtics or Bruins game.  As long as the team was from Boston, he was a fan.

David was a 20+ year member at Bonnet Shores in Narragansett, RI.  After retirement, he wintered for 10 years in Florida.  He was quite the socializer and made friends very easily wherever he went.

David is survived by two daughters, Debbie, of Cranston, RI, and Sharon, of Cary, NC.  He was the brother of Janet (the late Dr. Alvin) Morris of Sarasota, FL, and the late Stuart (the late Lois) of Indianapolis, IN.  He leaves two nieces and two nephews, and multiple four-legged furry grandchildren.

Debbie would like to thank the staff at Greenwich Farms at Warwick for the great care and companionship they afforded David the past three years.  Thanks also go to the staff at Beacon Hospice and The Cedars.

Funeral services and shiva are private. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 (or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift) or the International Essential Tremor Foundation, PO Box 14005, Lenexa, Kansas 66285-4005 (or via www.essentialtremor.org/about-the-ietf/forms/memorial-donation/).

24 Comments

  1. Mary Ann Branin
    Aug 10, 2020

    Debbie, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He was quite a character and you always saw and brought out the best of him. Much like you do in life. Take good care my friend. Hopefully we are able to get together very soon to break bread and raise a glass (of ice water with lemon) in his honor. Hugs, Mary Ann

    • Debbie Tobias
      Aug 19, 2020

      Thanks MAB. Looking forward to that ice water with lemon when we can.

  2. carole scaralia
    Aug 10, 2020

    Debbie,
    Our thoughts and prays are with you during this difficult time.
    Janet and Carole

    • Debbie Tobias
      Aug 19, 2020

      Thank you both.

  3. Leslie parrillo
    Aug 10, 2020

    I would like to send my condolences. I knew your father from the beach club. He would be the first person I would see when I arrived on the beach. I sat near him for many years & considered him a friend & a joy to talk to over the years. He was always smiling & joking. I wish you all peace. Leslie Parrillo

    • Debbie Tobias
      Aug 19, 2020

      Thanks Leslie. Dad loved his time at the beach. Debbie Tobias

  4. Michelle Rotmer Duffy
    Aug 10, 2020

    Debbie and Sharon; Please accept my condolences on the loss of your Dad. He always had a smile or a dig ready for me when i saw him or worked with him. For many years he was part of the family. Deb, you were a great daughter to him and he was lucky to have you. In sympathy and friendship. Michelle Rotmer Duffy

    • Debbie Tobias
      Aug 19, 2020

      Thanks very much Michelle. Dad always spoke fondly of those Paramount days. Debbie

  5. Brenda Lynch
    Aug 10, 2020

    Dear Debbie, Sharon and Family,
    I was sorry to hear of your dad passing away today. I knew your dad going back 40 years ago. I first met him while I was working at Cranston City Hall. Dave was working for Paramount the first year I met him. We all enjoyed seeing him so much. He brought sunshine every time he walked into the office. We all had so many laughs with him through the years. What a great guy he was always telling us his next exciting trip and adventure he was going on. He was always so very kind and just a wonderful man to talk with. Your dad always talked so proudly of his two daughters. He loved you both so much,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you. I miss him too. One of the nicest people. I treasure all the great memories through the years.
    Most Sincerely, Brenda Lynch

    • Debbie Tobias
      Aug 19, 2020

      Thank you Brenda – you go back many years with him. “City Hall” was always a favorite stop of Dad’s. Seems like he knew everyone in the building — a mark of a true salesman. Debbie

  6. Anna Martinelli
    Aug 11, 2020

    My sincere condolences. Your father was a great friend and he will be missed. He as always had a smile on his face that would light up the room.
    Anna Martinelli

    • Debbie Tobias
      Aug 19, 2020

      Thank you Anna. You will forever be known as “Anna Banana” to me – and I always knew just who Dad was talking about. Debbie

  7. Don Mac Isaac
    Aug 11, 2020

    David has touched so many people In his life time… he was a one and only, unique in so many ways… he was more than an employee at Mac Isaac… he was my friend… David will be missed but not forgotten…

    • Debbie Tobias
      Aug 19, 2020

      Thanks Don. Dad always spoke very fondly of you on both a professional and personal level. Debbie

  8. cindy luther
    Aug 14, 2020

    Many (40) yrs. ago , i worked in the purchasing dept. at Trifari and can remember David was our salesman from Paramount office supply. He was such a nice man, big smile with a heart of gold. my condolences to his family.

    • Debbie Tobias
      Aug 19, 2020

      Thank you Cindy. TKF was one of Dad’s longest customers, and he always spoke fondly of the crew there. Debbie

  9. Waleska Rivera
    Aug 15, 2020

    My condolences to you and the family… he was such a great man .. always smiling and his funny looks made my days así took care of him… I enjoyed watching sports with and just being in his company… he really will be missed.

    • Debbie Tobias
      Aug 19, 2020

      Oh those facial expressions – cracks me up just thinking about it. I was always at peace when I knew you were with him. Go Red Sox! Debbie

  10. Deb O'Connor
    Aug 19, 2020

    Debbie, So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Deb O.

    • Debbie Tobias
      Aug 24, 2020

      Thanks Deb.

  11. Paula Erickson
    Aug 19, 2020

    Debbie, I just heard about your dad. I am so sorry for your loss. He was quit the character and have many fond memories when we would go on Doctors appointments. Keeping your family in my prays. Paula Greenwhich Farms

    • Debbie Tobias
      Aug 24, 2020

      I am so sorry you weren’t informed earlier, Paula. I had been assured everyone was told. Nonetheless, thanks for all you did for Dad – I know he really enjoyed being around you. And I always felt better when I knew you were on the case.

  12. Kristyn Pearson
    Sep 14, 2020

    Debbie,

    I just heard about Dad’s passing. He was by far one of my favorite residents at GFW. I’m so sorry for your loss.

    Kristyn Pearson

    • Debbie Tobias
      Sep 16, 2020

      Thanks. You were one of his favorites! He loved your cute little dresses (wink, wink).

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