Shrewsbury – Worcester Police Officer Jeffrey B. “Jeff” Toney, 54, of Shrewsbury, passed away April 4, 2019 surrounded by family and friends, after being stricken ill at home earlier.
Jeffrey was born March 20, 1965 in Worcester, one of six children of Nellie P. Hazzard Toney-Butler. Raised in Worcester, he graduated from Worcester Boys Trade.
A member of the Nipmuc Nation who always wanted to help and serve people, Jeffrey entered the Worcester Police Academy on Feb. 26, 1996, and on July 12, 1996 was sworn in and began his 23-year career as a police officer. Over his police career, he served the citizens of Worcester honorably in several divisions, including operations, service and the Police Academy. He also trained in Suicide Bombing Incident prevention and response.
Jeffrey received many accolades and awards over his career: in 2004, he was awarded the Commendation award for his assistance to a police officer being attacked, and in 2010, the Worcester Police Department distinguished service award. Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent notes that Jeffrey was a strong advocate of the Mounted Police Unit. He was instrumental in its creation, providing research and information pertaining to the development and operation of such a unit. He also made it a point to attend funeral services for fallen officers around the region and nationally. He was dedicated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. and visited it regularly.
Jeffrey is survived by his love for over 20 years, Crystal L Reed; his mother, Nellie P. Hazzard Toney-Butler and his stepfather, Charles E. Butler; five siblings, Cheryll Toney Holley of Worcester, Carl A. Toney and his wife Francine Tevis of Chesapeake, Va., Peter S. Toney and his wife Kelly-Ann Graham of Charlotte, N.C., Alfred B. Toney of Lusby, Md., and Stacy R. Hull and her husband Lee of Zionsville, Ind.; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family members and friends. Jeffrey also leaves several members of Crystal’s family he considered his own, including Crystal’s mother, Irene B. Reed, and siblings Charles W. Reed and his wife Maria, Claudia J. Muller, Cheryl A. Comas-Webber and her husband Gary.
A giant of a man with a personality to match, he had a soft heart and a broad smile, who loved all people in general and having his family and friends around him. He loved his yard, took care of it meticulously and always enjoyed entertaining at his home.
Jeffrey enjoyed fishing and especially golf. He could also fix most anything and loved carpentry. Anytime someone asked for his help, he never said no. He will be greatly missed.
He was a member of the Local 911 – New England Police Benevolence Association, and the Massachusetts Police Association.
Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Sunday, April 14, from 3-7 p.m., in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His funeral service will be held Monday, April 15, at 10 a.m., at the Belmont AME Zion Church, 55 Illinois St., Worcester. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215; the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Massachusetts, 122 Main St., Watertown, MA 02472; or the Worcester Police Relief Association, 9-11 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01608.
