The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association
Stephen Toth Inducted 2025 - Class of 1962
Stephen Toth is a lifelong resident of the Point Place area. While attending Woodward, his favorite teachers were the late Marie Williamson and Ralph Merickle. Stephen followed in his father’s footsteps and went to work in 1968 for Ford Motor Company and, later Visteon Corporation, in Monroe, Michigan as a millwright. He had a full career in skilled trades working as a Quality Engineer, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, and retiring as a Project Manager in 2003.
After retirement, he founded MDS Enterprises, LLC, a marine service company, and obtained his 50-ton Merchant Marine Masters’ License. In 2004, Stephen was recruited to join the team establishing a new, innovative charter school- The Maritime Academy of Toledo which launched in 2008. The academy’s mission is to provide students with a ‘rigorous academic pathways, towards college and career, with a personalized learning experience.’ The academy also maintains a partnership with VSTEP for maritime simulators that continues to enhance maritime training excellence throughout the Great Lakes region, a partnership that Stephen helped to facilitate during his time on the board.
Following his deep commitment to his Catholic faith, he has also held various leadership positions within the Diocese of Toledo. While he is fully retired from all previous positions, he keeps busy spending time on his own boat, playing golf, and writing a book about St. Peter. He was married for 48 years to the late Barbara (Hilding) and remarried Pamela Thompson in 2017.
Where did you attend grade school and/or junior high school? St. John’s Elementary School
In what neighborhood did you live while attending Woodward? Please describe it. Point Place
Who were your best friends while attending Woodward? Jesse Komorny, Bob Novack, John Russel
Describe an important and/or humorous thing (s) that happened to you while you were at Woodward. Had some great teachers.
Who were your favorite teachers at Woodward? Why? Mrs. Williamson, Ralph Merickle
Did any Woodward staff members have a profound effect on you? Who? In what way did they affect you? They challenged me.
Please share one of your favorite memories of Woodward. My classmates
Are you married? Please tell us about your family members-- children, grandchildren, etc. 6 great kids, wonderful wife
What are your present hobbies? What do you do for fun? boat, fish, play golf
How did you feel when you were informed of this honor? undeserved
While at Woodward, did you have any nicknames? What were they? What is the story behind them? none that I know of