Alexander L. Toia; 77; of Belle Vernon (Lynnwood); was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday; Nov. 11; 2006. He was the son of the late Frank and Lena Tallerico Toia. Alex was born May 18; 1929. He was an only child and wed Mary Ann Sowko; of Monessen; on Aug. 7; 1954. She went to be with the Lord in February 2005. After graduating from Belle Vernon in 1947; Mr. Toia went to work at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel; Allenport plant. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and was called to active duty in the Korean War; where he served his country until 1953. After being discharged; he was married and returned to work at the Allenport plant as a roll grinder. First and foremost; Alex loved his family; they include his eldest son; Thomas Toia and wife Cindy Hufford; of North Huntingdon; younger son; Gregory Toia and daughter Lee Ann McDowell and husband Timothy. Alex had three grandsons whom he was extremely proud of and loved very much; Joshua; Gregory Alexander and Samuel Alexander. He is also survived by his sister-in-law; Matilda Stimmel; of Bethel Park. It is important to note that Alex was an extremely loving and devoted husband; father and grandfather and a best friend. He provided well for his family and was a source of strength and confidence. What he passed on to them will not be forgotten as life goes on as part of their character today. Second to his family; Alex had a love for football and spent years playing in high school and officiating. Alex loved attending the Belle Vernon Area High School football games. He was a member of the Mon Valley Golden Panthers and held season tickets to Pitt football for more than 30 years. He was a true Pitt fan in good times and bad. Third; Alex loved preparing income taxes; which he did for 30 years. In addition to solving his clients’ tax problems; he loved conversing and joking with them. Alex was a life member of the North Belle Vernon Fire Department and loved to play golf. Most importantly; he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior shortly before being called home. This was the most important decision of his life. His family will look forward to being reunited with him in Heaven around the Throne of God; where they will give glory to God for all that He has done. Friends will be received Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC. and CREMATION SERVICE; a Golden Rule Member Firm; www.fergusonfuneralhome.net; 724-929-5300; 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. A blessing service will be in the funeral home on Wednesday; Nov. 15 at 10:30 a.m.; followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. On Tuesday at 3 p.m.; members of St. Sebastian R.C. Church will meet in the funeral home to pray the rosary; and members of the North Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department will meet to hold services at 7 p.m.