Alfred Tosto Memorial Bench

Dear friends and family,

As you all know, we lost Al this April. The timing of his death (pre-vaccinated Covid) prevented us from gathering, mourning collectively, and celebrating his life in a way befitting his big personality and generous, fun-loving spirit. It created an intangibility that, especially for his son Adam, has made it difficult to find peace and closure in the months since.

Many of you have reached out and asked how you can help, or what can be done. At the time, we honestly didn’t have any answers. We recently passed the six month mark, and we have decided to endow a bench in Central Park in Al’s name, from (and for) his friends and family. It will be a permanent, lasting way to commemorate him. Al chose cremation, so this will be in lieu of a headstone or cemetery plot. As there are only a few left, it will also be a lasting piece of history.

We have selected a bench that is easily accessible, and just a five minute walk from the central loop entrance at the base of the park on 57th St. It is positioned along a curve in the loop, just south of the carousel, between Wollman Rink and a playground. We sat and watched people stroll, bike, run, smile, and laugh together. Directly behind the bench, separating it from Wollman Rink is a grassy knoll with large rocks that is a great place for a picnic or gathering.

This bench is honestly ideally positioned. Being there brought us peace and happiness. It felt cheerful and upbeat, bustling, but not too busy. We could imagine year-round joy from people skating in the winter or children on the carousel in the summer. We could see ourselves there regularly, and his grandkids playing nearby. The skyline to the south of the park was visible beyond the trees, but the view when seated was peaceful and serene. It was the first area we saw, but we didn’t feel the need to go further. It suited Al perfectly.

Each of us has memories of and with Al that honor and celebrate his life. He had a way of connecting with people he met only once, leaving a lasting impact. If you have any memories and would like to share them below, please do. While this bench will be presented to his son Adam on November 25, his birthday, it will belong to all of us, and be a permanent place to visit and remember our times with Al. Please do be mindful not to discuss or share this with Adam.

The cost of endowment is not insignificant, but is attainable. It requires a $10,000 donation to the Central Park Conservancy. Once formally endowed, a personalized plaque will be created and installed, a process that takes approximately eight weeks. Regrettably, because we are unable to contribute individual donations to the Conservancy for the endowment, contributions through this fundraising platform are not tax-deductible.

Donations of any size are greatly appreciated. Should we exceed the $10,000 donation mark, we will be donating the additional funds to LiveOnNY in Al’s name. LiveOnNY is a nonprofit organization committed to helping New York live on through organ and tissue donation, a cause that was near and dear to Al as an organ recipient. If you would prefer to donate directly to this organization in his name in lieu of, or in addition to, contributing to the bench fund, these individual contributions would be tax deductible, and we have provided that information below.

Thank you for your consideration and generosity as we embark upon this season of giving and remembrance. Please feel free to share this directly with anyone you feel would like to be included in it. Your name(s) will be added to the list of contributors when the gift is presented.

With love and gratitude,

Christina and Cora

*Direct donations to LiveOnNY can be made here:

LiveOnNY Direct Donation Link

*More information about LiveOnNY can be found here:

LiveOnNY