John "Jack" M. Toennies, 92, of Baldwinsville, New York passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a lifetime of accomplishments, adventures, and cherished family memories.

After earning a degree in Chemistry from Davis & Elkins College, he devoted more than 35 years to protecting both people and the environment, earning the respect of colleagues across the nation (and China) through his work in health physics, nuclear safety, and environmental affairs. While his professional achievements at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation were many, Jack's greatest pride was always his family. He delighted in life with his girls who joined him in his love of music, books, sports, games, and nature. An avid outdoorsman, Jack found joy in hunting, fishing and building things with his own hands. He built decks, crafted his own wooden canoe, proudly harvested many deer at hunting camp, and every Christmas could be found trekking through the woods gathering pine boughs and winter berries for one of Cookie's beautiful wreaths.

To his family, he was the original MacGyver. There seemed to be nothing he couldn't repair, invent, or improve. Grandpa Jack leaves behind not only countless clever inventions and well-loved projects, but also tiny screwdrivers tucked into nearly every drawer, little reminders that he was always ready to fix whatever life put in front of him.

Jack will be remembered for his intelligence, quiet humor, resourcefulness, unwavering work ethic, and the love he showed his family. His legacy lives on in the things he built, the memories made around dinner and game tables, and in the lessons he taught on the water and in the woods.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Amelia "Cookie" Toennies, his daughters Patti (Lou) D'Amore, Terri Toennies, Linda Sandes, Sue (Eric) Stanczyk, grandchildren John, Alex, Colton, Shane, Piper, Haynes, four great grandchildren and many friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Calling hours will be on July 27, from 4-7 p.m. at Falardeau Funeral Home with a funeral mass to be held July 28, 10 a.m. at St. Augustine's Church, Baldwinsville. In Jack's honor, donations may be made to the Female Charitable Society of Baldwinsville and the Greater Baldwinsville Ambulance Corps.