Amesbury - On February 12, 2022, Virgil Wayne Toneatti of Amesbury, passed into eternal rest surrounded by his family, dear friends, and with his beloved canine companion, Mr. Beezlee, by his side.

Virgil was born in Rockport, Massachusetts, on August 13, 1931, the first son of Raymond and Eleanor (Anderson) Toneatti.

After graduating from Rockport High School he joined the United States Navy. In 1961 Virgil married Anne Merrill of Rockport, who predeceased him in 2008. In Chicago together, Virg attended the American Institute of Technology receiving a bachelor's degree in Engineering Tools. He joined Atwood and Morrill in Salem, MA, and became Chief Design Engineer.

A man of many talents, interests, and skills, Virg had a variety of avocations—wood carving, watercolor painting, boat building (three), gardening, music, downhill skiing, fishing, boating, sports, and reading. Golfing was a favorite sport where he won numerous trophies. With his trademark quick, and sometimes sharp, wit, he was generous with his time and counsel on topics ranging from the best yielding tomato plants to stock market strategies. He was a mentor to many especially with those interested in learning those skills. For many years, as a volunteer driver for the Amesbury Council on Aging, Virg drove local residents to medical appointments, in the greater Amesbury area and often to Boston; he also participated in the annual tax preparation program for elders at local senior centers.

Virgil and Anne were dedicated to helping others. He was well known in the community and among family and friends for his generosity and kindness. Shaped by his upbringing he was often frugal on his own account, but generous and sharing with others. He was a founding and proud member of Rockport American Legion Post No. 98.

Virgil was predeceased by his brother, Ronald; sister-in-law, Joan; and nephew, Mark Toneatti, all of North Kingstown, RI.

Virgil leaves nephews Stephen Toneatti (Pamela); and niece, Gail (Toneatti) Fitzgerald (Jack), all of North Kingstown, RI. He also leaves nieces Caroline (Akeson) Benabou (Daniel) of Medway, MA; and Betsy (Hagen) Taylor (Bill) of Olympia, WA; nephews, Jack Hagen (Terrie) of Melbourne, FL; Jeff Akeson (Margaret) of Vero Beach, FL; John Akeson (Karen) of Hilton Head, SC; two great-nieces, Ellana and Lilly Benabou, also of Medway. He leaves his sister-in-law, Jane Akeson of Yarmouth Port, MA; cousins, Sandra A. MacKay of Exeter, NH; and Michael Anderson (Kelly) of Rockport, MA; and also his cherished Mr. Beezlee.

At his request, there will be no funeral services. Arrangements are by Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, MA 01913.