Lorain man is Living Angel recipient

Life Saver’s Ball reveals Camillo ‘Jack’ Tocchi as Living Angel Award recipient

Lorain native Camillo “Jack” Tocchi, 89, is the 2020 recipient of the Dr. Alex and Maria Zolli Living Angel Award at the Life Saver’s Ball at the Emerald Event Center, 33040 Just Imagine Drive in Avon.

Tocchi, a father of six, grandfather of 19 and great great grandfather of four, had cancer three times in his life.

Zolli told the story of how Tocchi, worked throughout his life and dedicated his time to his family and his religion.

“He walks a path perfectly balanced by his life’s passions: Faith, family and service,” Zolli said.

Tocchi is an active member of the community having taken part in Ohio IAV, American Legion 30, Knights of Columbus, the Board of UAW Retiree, and coordinates for users at St. Anthony of Padua church and the American Cancer Society.

Since 2016, Tocchi has dedicated three days per week to spending time with cancer patients. Although he’s in currently in good health, Tocchi hopes he will be remembered as a caring, loving man.

“I hope that people will say I was a good man, mild mannered, loving, and caring,” Tocchi said.

Spending time with patients is something Tocchi holds close to his heart. Often times, Tocchi makes

“They love me there and I love them back.” — Camillo “Jack” Tocchi, 89, is the 2020 recipient of the Dr. Alex and Maria Zolli Living Angel Award

deep personal connections with the patients and forms friendships.

“They love me there and I love them back,” Tocchi said.

Tocchi has attended the Life Savers Ball frequently.

In fact, he was at the first ball held for the society.

“I used to go to them with my wife until she got sick,” Tocchi said. “After she got sick we stopped going so I could care for her.”

Winning the award was a shocking experience for Tocchi. During his speech, Tocchi was emotional and filled with joy.

“I can’t put into words how this feels, “Tocchi said. “It’s just a humbling feeling.”

LYRIC AQUINO — THE MORNING JOURNAL Living Angel recipients posed together at the American Cancer Society Life Savers Ball on March 7. From left, Amy Butler, 2014; Ray Noble, 2011; Marge Diadone, 2012; Beverly Davis, 2007; Camillo Tocchi, 2020; Matt Nakon, 2010; Bobbie Sears, 2015.

LYRIC AQUINO — THE MORNING JOURNAL Camillo Tocchi, the 2020 Living Angel Award recipient reading his speech with Suzan Piskur, the Community Development Manager of the American Cancer Society North Central Region.