Guestbook | Toni Oltenacu

Jan & Carl Wagner
Gainesville, FL

First neighbors and then close friends, we enjoyed going to shows, eating meals, and taking trips with Toni and Raluca. A pre-COVID highlight was a five-day trip to Disney World where Toni declared his favorite parks were Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

In early 2020, in response to COVID, we formed our “Quaranteam" along with our good friends and neighbors, Bennett and Arlene Brummer. We had dinner together every Saturday night at one of our homes, outside and socially distanced. Toni’s wonderful breads were always a hit. We complained about the deer and squirrels eating our fruit trees and other landscaping, and Toni always had amusing and innovative ways to deal with them. We always counted on Toni sharing his wealth of information and great jokes with us. As COVID conditions improved, we included outdoor dining at local restaurants and eventually moved back indoors and topped the evening off with a game. Toni seemed to have the uncanny ability to win more than his fair share of the games. We quickly learned that Toni’s complaint that “I got nothing” or his comment of “terrible, terrible” when looking at his dominoes or cards usually meant that he was going to play a winning hand.

When Toni learned that he was sick, he accelerated the process of working through his travel bucket list. When it was safe to do so, we were privileged to accompany Toni and Raluca as they checked off some of the items on his travel list. Those adventures included trips to the Kennedy Space Center in Cocoa Beach, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Hilton Head Island, Daytona Beach, an Andrea Bocelli concert in Orlando, a Diana Krall concert in Clearwater Beach, Savanna, Charleston, and Las Vegas. We walked 10 miles our first day in Las Vegas, ate at wonderful restaurants, and went to five shows in five days. Toni’s stamina never ceased to amaze us. However, we discovered that not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas because upon our return three of the four of us, including Toni, came down with COVID. Fortunately, all responded well to the PAXLOVID and Toni insisted that was still his favorite of all our trips.

We will remember Toni as a smart, warm-hearted man with a great sense of humor. We miss him. He made the world a better place. We loved Toni and are proud to have been able to call him a great friend and extended family member.

Home: Headliner

Lenna & Roger Trancik
Ithaca, NY

TONI
We will miss you. Your smile,
generosity and energy was
always there to brighten up
the day.
Roger and Lena
2022

Bridget Grogan
Gainesville, FL

My best guess is that Toni is baking a loaf of sourdough bread for God right now. While that might seem a silly thing to say, that’s how I think of Toni.

Maybe baking bread seems a small memory for such a big life, but it is one of my favorites. I was blessed beyond measure by the opportunity to share many incredible meals with Toni and Raluca.

In the kitchen, Toni was always a rockstar. Raluca too. No one could match their culinary achievements. And, combining that with their delightful sense of humor, and love for each other and their friends, was an experience of a lifetime.

Those meals to me will always be a microcosm of a life well-lived. Toni taught me the power of joy, contentment and friendship in a way no one else could. Every loaf, every meal was a gift of love. He is missed more than words can describe.

And I adored his sense of humor. From knowing his “husband boundaries” regarding closet space to tolerating my desire for cappuccino at unacceptable day parts, he made me laugh. A lot. Toni made me a better person and the world a better place every day.

As a friend, his kindness knew no bounds. Toni, you are loved and missed and have improved and blessed countless lives. You are a gentleman, a scholar and my hero. Thank you for being you - Bridget

Tim Sorel
Gainesville, FL

Everyone probably knows Toni as a brilliant researcher and scientist with a world-class reputation in animal breeding and genetics. His academic publications earned him accolades from Cornell University where he was a Professor Emeritus. His work at Cornell and the University of Florida has been cited thousands of times.

Yet, with all of his success within the academy, the renowned Dr. Oltenacu often had a singular, captivating, and humble focus on his homemade bread. Toni created some of the best bread I have ever tasted! When I would complement him on his sourdough or focaccia, he would shrug and say “eh its ok”. And that was what made a man of his stature so fascinating. Always trying, experimenting and improving in everything he did.

I have only known Toni for the last 10 years (give or take) when he and his lovely wife Raluca built a beautiful home next to ours. They have been generous with opening their home for gourmet meals that were beyond delicious.

Toni also graciously taught me the art of a great cappuccino, macchiato and espresso and I enjoyed our in-depth conversations. It was during one of these coffee talks that I learned what he had to do to come to this country from Romania and build a new life in the U.S. Over the years, and despite not knowing the language when he arrived, he built his career and became one of the very best in his field. I was in awe when he told me that story and I am in awe to this day of all that he accomplished.

You were a giant Toni, and you made everyone around you better. You are missed.

Paul McBride
Durham, NC

Ah, where do I start meandering through my many memories of Toni and you? I no longer recall when Toni first arrived at Cornell, but I remember playing singles with someone on the Cascadilla courts when this short, somewhat chunky stranger arrived who looked anything but a tennis player. A new member we supposed. But Toni was far more than a new member. He soon became everyone’s friend, a guy whom everyone enjoyed playing tennis with, and a good friend to me for the rest of his life. As acorns produce Oak trees, important changes in our lives can begin with almost overlooked incidents.

Needless to say, Toni soon became a member of our wonderfully enjoyable tennis doubles group that played all year long for forty years or so. During the winter months, we played indoors at Riis being sure that the proper dues of each member would be assigned because Bruce Turnbull could figure it all out in his head while the rest of us tried to look as though we understood what he was doing. Our Riis “foursome” included Toni, Cush, Roger, Bruce, Bob Schmidt, Greg Woodward, me, and an assortment of subs we easily recruited from the robust membership of the Cornell Faculty Tennis Club. During the spring and summer we migrated to the clay courts in Cascadilla gorge. In addition we played one another in singles competition whenever we felt like it.

Often, tennis friends confine their friendship to the courts. That was not the case with us. We tennis friends soon became personal friends and included our wives in activities such as attending plays, movies, and concerts; gathering in one another’s homes to watch major tennis tournaments as well as organizing excursions to attend the Canadian Open and other tennis tournaments, and enjoying dinners, celebrating birthdays, and getting to know each other’s families. The life-long friendships we have forged have added immeasurably to the enjoyment of our lives.

Of course, that enjoyment increased when you, Raluca, entered the picture. We had played doubles with you and Toni as you were just learning the game. Toni would serve every game because you could not seem to find the tennis ball once you tossed it to serve. Well, that did not last long! And then, Toni announced on a Wednesday afternoon as we men walked up the Cascadilla gorge from our tennis match that he would not be able to play tennis on Sunday. When I asked him why not, he matter-of-factly said, “I am getting married.” Indignantly, I said “And we’re not invited??” To which Toni seemed surprised and a bit embarrassed as he assured us that we were indeed invited. So, I contacted all of our tennis playing friends and invited them to your wedding. We had an unforgettably good time helping you celebrate, but our joy was outdone by Toni’s lovely mom who was living with you at the time. She baked and cooked and frittered around the reception held afterward in your home as though she were having the time of her life. Your wedding at Sage Chapel was just beautiful. You were radiant. And Toni was proudly and exuberantly the lucky groom. Thus did you become an official and so welcome member of our merry band of tennis whackos. What a time we have had!

Linda McBride
Durham, NC

When I think of Toni, the image in my mind's eye always includes him smiling. His wonderfully warm disposition was always evident, even when we were discussing our differing political views. Of course, his sense of humor filled our times together with lots of laughter.

When we played mixed doubles, Toni would "pick on me" at the net—definitely a wise move given my notable weakness at this position. But, I appreciated this too because it gave me the practice I needed to "slightly" improve this aspect of my game. Though he didn't look the part, he was an outstanding athlete and coach. His wife, Raluca, started with no tennis knowledge or skill. Initially, when we played mixed doubles with them, Toni would not let her serve, instead serving each of their turns himself. I said, "If you don't let Raluca serve, she will never learn how to do it." My mistake—it didn't take long before Raluca was a strong player able to challenge both Toni and my husband, Paul.

I will very much miss our times with him both on and off the court (e.g., spontaneous invitations to share "leftovers" with them after tennis—equal to dining at a fine restaurant). I expect my fond memories of him will always bring a smile to my face.

Arlene & Bennett Brummer
Gainesville, FL

We were privileged to get to know Toni over the last eight years of his life. We were very impressed by him and regarded him as a Mensch (a person of great decency, integrity, and honor).
Toni’s life was an exceptional story of love, courage, and dignity: from his survival of World War II as a child, through his emigration to this country with limited knowledge of our language, to his last battle with a dread disease. Toni’s love for Raluca was beautiful, as was their partnership.
Toni expressed an uncommon form of nobility. He was open, direct, and honest. He was academic, yet grounded. He was solid, yet flexible. He had the strength and willingness to evolve, to learn and change his mind. It is no wonder that he had friends all over the world.
Toni was bright, substantial, and professional. He was happy to share his knowledge with those who had an interest, however ignorant of the subject matter they might be.
We called Toni late one night to help us deal with a seriously injured owl; he gave us great advice, comfort and confidence. After the owl recovered at a sanctuary, Toni and Raluca accompanied us when we returned the owl to its habitat.
We were the lucky beneficiaries of Toni’s talents as a host, cook, bread-baker and espresso-maker. (Bennett consumed the bread and espresso in as great quantities as he was permitted). Toni and Raluca taught Arlene to make sourdough bread, which we enjoy ‘most every day.
Toni loved tennis and played well. He successfully resisted our attempts to turn him towards pickleball.
Toni’s favorite color was blue and we shared his love of blue shirts.
Toni will be sorely missed.
“Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” – Hamlet.

Bo Algers
Skara, Sweden

A gentleman named Pascal Toni Oltenacu appeared at the SLU Department of Animal Hygiene (later named Department of Animal Environment and Health) in 1987. He was a professor from Cornell University to do his sabbatical together with my boss at the time, Professor Ingvar Ekesbo, and Bengt Lindé at Viking Genetics. I was not particularly involved in that, but realised early on that this was a nice, friendly and funny guy, with a lot of knowledge and expertise within his field of research. It did not take long until we became good friends. His parents came to visit Toni in Skara and I will never forget the pasta that Toni’s mother served us at a dinner at their place. And it became apparent where Toni´s sense for good food came from.

After his sabbatical, Toni came back for shorter visits every year and as time went, I became professor and head of the department. We came to work closer. I remember when Toni and I met at a conference in Vienna in 1997. Toni told me that he was now together with a young lady from Romania. A much younger lady. Raluca was introduced to us and our friendship developed further. Me and my Anne brought our two children for cooperative work at Cornell, staying in Ithaca and sometimes in Toni´s and Raluca´s house. We had fun together. This was always Toni´s wordings: “Have fun!” It took me some time to realise how important that message really is.

Toni and Raluca became a part of everyday life with visits in Skara every spring and us sometimes coming over to Cornell or Oklahoma. Toni and I also met many times in various cities in Europe as part of our EFSA engagement. Toni was always looking for the best coffee place. And the love between Toni and Raluca was always apparent. When I once asked Toni “How did you and Raluca meet?” he answered with a story “Never step on a frog!” which some of you reading this might know. The story was “Toni in a nutshell”.

Toni, wherever you are, thanks for helping me to understand what is important in life! Raluca, your Toni leaves so many dear memories!

Liz Oltenacu
Kettering, UK

When I arrived at the University of Minnesota in 1970, I found myself to be part of a vibrant community of international graduate students studying Animal Science. They came from Africa, Asia, Europe and The Americas, including one Romanian, Toni Oltenacu. He and I took some of the same courses, and Toni’s statistical abilities helped me, while I edited and eventually typed his Ph.D. thesis. Toni was determined to improve his English writing skills and became a more articulate writer than were many native speakers I taught in future years.

Life with Toni after we married in 1973 was at times exhilarating and at other times un-nerving. He resisted attempts by his Government to force him to return to Romania and their use of his elderly parents as pawns in the struggle caused great anguish for Toni. This culminated in an agonizing airport wait in 1977 that drove him to distraction when his parents failed to appear among the disembarking passengers. A major earthquake in Romania very shortly before the flight had disrupted communication, so he was not even sure they would arrive. Their eventual appearance lifted a huge weight from Toni’s shoulders.

We almost moved to New Zealand when Toni received a job offer there, but an offer from Cornell University led us to Ithaca, NY. He used his statistical skills to develop the relatively new area of Systems Analysis applied to Animal Science. This met with resistance from some colleagues in the Department and made him a few enemies. Toni could be outspoken and abrasive at times!

Toni established a research program at Cornell that had international collaboration and recognition. He sometimes felt more appreciated on that level than in his home Department. However, a group of close friends, some from his time at Iowa State University, some from Minnesota, supported and encouraged him. We enjoyed meals, drinks and laughter with them. He was also a Cornell contact for visiting students and scholars from Romania and that kept him in touch with his home country which he was unable to visit. When Toni and I divorced in the late 1980s, I was left with a deep understanding of the destructive effect that Communist oppression had had on people, and on Toni in particular.

Home: Headliner

Reem Abu-Rustum & Kamil Kuran
Gainesville, FL

We often saw Toni and Raluca passing in front of our home on their walks together. They exemplified the beautiful supportive couple, always full of energy and love of life. Even though we did not get to meet up given COVID-19 affecting the majority of our time in our neighborhood, one of our favorite memories was seeing them at Andrea Bocelli's concert last December. Though unplanned, we were a row apart. Reading the dedications on Toni’s memorial website, his incredible impact on all those whose lives he touched: from his brilliance as a researcher, to his gift as a teacher, to his talent as a baker, will never be forgotten. Dear Raluca you are in our thoughts and prayers. We feel your tremendous loss but know that you shall forever be enriched by the memories of your great love and life together. May he rest in eternal peace🙏🏼.

Steven Huss
Newberry, FL

I am sorry for your loss.

Al Guarino
Alachua, FL

A class act!! Enjoyed our tennis matches.

Tom Walsh
Gainesville, FL

A wonderful gentleman I was honored to know, and even fill in for his third set once. Fond memories. Tom

John Dickinson
Gainesville, FL

What a fascinating life Toni led! I have known him for just a few years as a fellow tennis player and only knew bits and pieces of his "story," but I really enjoyed reading about his extraordinary life. He was a great guy to play with on the tennis court and always warm and friendly. We will all miss him, but look forward to Raluca rejoining our community as soon as she feels up to it.

Renee Simmons
Gainesville, FL

Raluca, I am so sorry for your loss. I share my utmost sympathy.

Jennifer Fisher & Glenn Smith
Gainesville, FL

What a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived!! Toni’s love for you, Raluca, was clearly central to his happiness. Such a blessing that you had 25 rich years together.

Judy Provost
Newberry, FL

I truly enjoyed playing tennis with Toni in the short time we knew each other. I admired his grace during his ongoing cancer treatments; he was determined to make the most of life/tennis/his time with others. No complaining on the courts when we were losing, just that determination to enjoy the moment. Toni will be missed by all of us. Judy

Brent & Mary Shannon Sellers
Bowling Green, FL

Raluca, Please accept our sincerest sympathy. Prayers for peace and comfort during this time

Twyla Davis
Davie, FL

My condolences to you during this time of sorrow...May the Lord bless you with His Peace that surpasses all of our understanding...RIP Toni Twyla Davis - IFAS Extension Broward County

Debra Nagy
Bell, FL

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Don Bennink
Bell, FL

Raluca, I'm sure the two of you had many interesting discussions. They will be hard to replace. thanks for your contributions to our industry. Look forward to any future contact we may have. Should I be able to help in any way, please let me know, Best Regards, Don Bennink

Pam Krueger
Gainesville, FL

I enjoyed working with Toni and Raluca at UF in the Department of Animal Sciences. They were an awesome couple with their friendly smiles & laughter. I will always appreciate the opportunity of knowing & working with both of them.

Angelita Ortiz
Bradenton, FL

It looks like a life well lived. Even though I only met you thru this website, your grinning face is telling me to sign this guestbook. Rest in Peace Toni.

George Wanjala
Hungary

Rest in peace scientific hero

Dave Wood (Woody)
Gainesville, FL

I had the privilege of knowing Toni through the Jonesville tennis group. He was always such a gentleman, and a most proficient player. One day we got into a discussion regarding human genetics. I was in awe of the insights he had in that field. He also told me a bit about the time that he & Raluca spent a Cornell University. That was especially interesting to me since I grew up in that area of New York State (although I attended Clarkson University which is a rival school). I know that Toni felt truly fortunate to have Raluca as his partner in life. All of us that knew Toni truly miss him. Raluca please do continue with our tennis group when you are ready.

Radovan Kasarda
Nitra, Slovakia

My sincere condolences. It was pleasure to me of having opportunity to meet and know Toni

Hans Sölkner
Vienna, Austria

Toni, it was just a great honor and pleasure to know you and be in touch with you. What a great scientist you are!! Hans

Mario
Gainesville, FL

A blessed life, in beautiful pictures!

Saundra TenBroeck
Gainesville, FL

Toni and Raluca were an impressive pair and made remarkable contributions to the department of animal sciences at the University of Florida. His course, The Role of Animals in Human History, provided undergraduates from all majors the opportunity to explore and learn to value animal agriculture. He will be missed.

Megan Rolf
Manhattan, KS

I met Toni through my interactions with Raluca at Oklahoma State. I was among those fortunate enough to be invited to the occasional dinner party at their house. As everyone has already mentioned, they were legendary! Toni (and Raluca) was a great cook, and a wonderful host. The food at those dinners was always wonderful, but the company, stories, and laughter was the best part by far, and that's saying something. I am deeply sorry that Toni is no longer with us and I was glad to count him as a friend during the time I knew him.

Jack Dekkers
Ames, Iowa

Toni was one of the first to look at dairy cattle breeding from a systems perspective and, thereby, inspired many, including me. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He was a very generous person.

Max Rothschild
Ames, Iowa

I met Toni in 1975 when I was a student at Cornell. He was always friendly, engaging and helpful. Over the years I always enjoyed seeing him at meetings and his positive attitude and friendship I much appreciated. His contributions were many to our field and he will be missed by all. May his memory be a blessing.

John Kish
Gainesville, FL

always a joy to play tennis with him

Joe Paschal
Corpus Christi, TX

Ralucca, although I didn't know Toni, he must have been an amazing man, researcher, teacher, friend, and of course, husband. I wish I had known him. I am very sorry for your loss, my sincerest condolences.

Steve Dennis
Gainesville, FL

I played Toni in tennis. He was amazing! A tough competitor who always got the ball back. Prayers to the family.

Horia Grosu
Bucharest, Romania

With great sadness in my heart, I learned of the passing of the great Professor and man of soul, Pascal Anton Oltenacu. I had the great privilege to know and working with Professor Pascal Anton, Oltenacu.

Between January-April 1998 and March-August 2000, at the initiative of Mr. Professor Pascal Anton Oltenacu, the undersigned benefited from two professional training internships, being invited to the Department of Animal Science at Cornell University in New York, as a Visiting Professor. I will remain eternally grateful for the great deal of knowledge accumulated during the two internships. I had the unique opportunity to interact with the most famous scientists in the field of animal genetic improvement, from one of the most prestigious universities in the world, all of them disciples of the great C.R. Henderson, father of the BLUP methodology.

My collaboration with the late Professor also materialized in the creation and publication of three books: Breeding Programs in Animal Husbandry (2005); History of Genetic Evaluation in Dairy Cattle (2015) and Prediction of the breeding value of bulls (2019). In this context, I am grateful for his availability, contributions and determination to realise the three books.

Professor Pascal Anton Oltenacu had a fruitful collaboration with the National Research-Development Institute for Animal Biology and Nutrition Balotești, Ilfov,

where he taught two courses (Welfare of dairy cattle, evaluation and control strategy-2012 and, Animal welfare and its importance in today’s society – 2017). The courses were attended by researchers from the institute and other scientific research and higher education units with a zootechnical profile.

In 2009, he was nominated as a member of the Scientific Committee for the review of scientific publications for the journal Archiva Zootehnica, edited by the institute.

In addition to the prodigious scientific professional activity, carried out over half a century, it is important to mention the fact that the late Professor Pascal Anton Oltenacu was also a fine connoisseur of arts and music, aspects that complement, as a corollary, the complexity of his personality. And above all else, his quality as a GREAT MAN, ready to help, whenever his support was needed! Professor Pascal Anton OLTENACU was and will remain a personality with multiple valences, both for the present and for future generations. We will keep him in our memory, and his place will remain forever in the golden gallery of the great pioneers of the field of zootechnical science.

MAY GOD REST HIM IN PEACE! Dr. Horia GROSU

Lokenga Badinga
Gainesville, FL

Toni, it was great having you around. You will be missed and remembered for ever.

John Pollak
Pierre, South Dakota

I met Toni in graduate school at Iowa State University in 1969. We developed a friendship that lasted for 50 years. When Toni arrived, he was passionate about learning English, and we would spend many an hour conversing, often over glasses of Cognac which Toni enjoyed and introduced me to. Although our paths diverged after Iowa State, we reunited when I joined the faculty at Cornell in 1980. His friendship with our family (Jane and children JP and Emily) grew over the next 25 plus years. He served as the faculty advisor to both JP and Emily during their undergraduate studies at Cornell. My most rewarding professional collaboration with Toni was in developing a series of distant education courses. We formed a group dedicated to creating computer training modules and ran a seminar and laboratory course that was shared real-time with other universities. Buoyed by that success, we created an adult continuing education program in Canine Genetics that we offered for several years. In reading the memories of Toni posted by others, I smiled at references to cooking or dinners. Dinners with our band of friends were the cornerstone of our friendships. Hundreds of long evenings of debate, discussion, and, most of all, laughter occurred throughout the Cornell years. The one dinner that stands out above others was one we referred to as the Great Italian Cookoff. Our mothers were Italian, and for this event both cooked multiple Italian dishes. Needless to say, there was an abundance of food and Toni and I enjoyed watching our mothers sampling and approving of each other’s creations. That event was a “friend and family affair” with the lines between friends and family blurred and exemplified, to me, Toni’s priorities in life.

Evelina Santangelo
Palermo, Italy

Toni has been a marvelous friend. We spent unforgettable holidays in Sicily having fun and often speaking of very serious issues. I learned a lot from this conversation. He was more than a good friend. Francesco and me won't never forget his humor, his coffee, his way of cooking with passion, his smile. See you later, dear Toni.

Stefania Carpino
Italy

Tony was a great person. A dedicated mentor and a close friend as well. He thrusted people and made me feeling I could do everything I believed in! It was an honour to meet him. I always be grateful to him and will never forget what he did for me as student and person. A lot of people will miss him all around the world. I feel close to you Raluca and I will always be happy to guest you when you will come and visit

Jay Bohrer
Jonesville, FL

Ralucca, You know that I felt a warmth for you folks for who knows what reason. Although I didn't know you for very long and I can't say we were close friends, it seems like it. I also have a feeling that there are very few special people that one gets to know over a lifetime and he is one. I guess I will be seeing him in the not too distant future and tennis will be on the agenda.

Jane Pollak
Pierre, South Dakota

We had known Toni for years. John had known him even longer than I had having met him in grad school at Iowa State. I heard tales of them enjoying cognac together at the bar John was tending in Ames. I had met Toni just a couple times before we moved to Ithaca in 1980. Toni and Liz took us in until our house was available. Our son turned three the day we arrived, and they had a cake for him.

It was Toni that formed our Cornell group and kept us together. While we occasionally had dinners at others’ homes, most of the gatherings were at Toni’s. We got to know his parents, Mama and Tata as we called them, well. They lived in an adjoining apartment to his home. In those days Mama cooked her Italian meals for us. One time when John’s mother, who was also Italian, was visiting we had what we called the “Great Italian Cookoff.” Each mother prepared three of her favorite dishes. Toni invited us back the next night because there was so much food leftover! It was delicious and a lot of fun!

When the Trivial Pursuit craze came about, we had some rousing contests of men vs. women. For a while we formed a wine tasting group too. Over the years we celebrated birthdays and other milestones together. Toni helped more than once when we tried to have surprise parties for each other. Toni’s family was often our “family” when we could not be with our biological families for holidays. Our two children were often included, and when they became Cornell students Toni and Liz advised them.

One funny story… Toni and John traveled together to Scotland one time for a professional meeting. When they arrived John could not find his passport and reported it missing. Later he found it among his things but neglected to report to the authorities that he had found it. They were detained at the airport when it was time to leave, and we laughed when they got back about what suspicious looking characters they must have been!

Our group remained close when Toni and Raluca married. They kept up the tradition of having the group over to their house for meals. Toni clearly loved to serve a gourmet meal. We also enjoyed eating out together.

Many of us left Cornell around the same time. In 2010 we moved to Nebraska, and Toni and Raluca were in Oklahoma. It was close enough that we could still visit each other a few times, and we also met up at professional meetings. They seemed very proud of their pizza oven which they had had built in Stillwater, and we looked forward to the homemade pizza we had been promised. And of course it was delicious!

Many of our Cornell group are no longer with us, and those of us who are still alive are scattered around the country and the world. Toni’s death marks the end of a great era for us.

Robert & Elvira Blake

Toni, True Friend of Our Hearts

I first met Toni at a professional society meeting in 1976 at the urging of my doctoral advisor. Our coinciding research interests and his exuberant personality opened the way to a friendship, which took flight ten years later at Cornell.

Our collaborations always had his students, and mine, at the fore. By my witness Toni cared, he listened, and he comforted those encountered along life’s path. He was invariably supportive, helpful and generous to others. The origins of these humanitarian roots—from students, to colleagues and beyond—I believe originated in his loving parents, whom he kept huggably close, caring for them in the downstairs hearth of his home. Visiting the Oltenacu family was joy itself; sometimes ceremoniously commemorated by properly spilling white wine onto the carpet.

We were honored to have Toni as witness to our Ithaca wedding. Later we reciprocated at Toni’s glorious union with Raluca, the lovely lady who won his heart, and everyone else’s too! Joy spilled forth and not only upon carpet! And so the path opened yet more widely into much beautiful sharing with Toni-and-Raluca in Ithaca and in Gainesville.

Toni was an epicure. He was worldly. His smiles and ease in navigating social relationships nourished our work together from Italy to Latin America. He drew from a well-stocked repertoire. Besides agriculture, he knew opera, world history and art, and cultures; and also other things in life that might seem small—but not so—like gardening and culinary artistry. If delectably fed, better conversation is begotten. Simply put, departed but not gone, our friend Toni remains. These too are the Toni memories of our children.

Among many vivid recollections, this one epitomizes. Our doorbell rings on a snowy Ithaca Christmas Eve morning. The opened door reveals a radiant, grinning Toni bearing fresh panetonne and other gifts; one of many kindnesses from my friend!

We will always remember him.

Robert and Elvira

Bruce & Marty Turnbull

As we prepare to head south to Hilton Head, it is with great sadness to think our plans this year will not include Toni. We have so many fond memories of our days together in Ithaca during the years we were all connected to Cornell, the Faculty Tennis Club, and the Reis tennis center.

We missed Toni and Raluca when they moved to Oklahoma but were thrilled when they returned to the east coast and bought a second home near us in Palmetto Dunes.

For more than ten years and through a pandemic and illness, we are so grateful we were able to enjoy time together on the courts, on the beach, and at Toni's favorite Hilton Head restaurants.

Raluca know that you are always welcome to stay with us in Ithaca or Hilton Head whenever time with long-time friends in either of these happy places would be a comfort to you.

James & Tracy Reecy
Ames, IA

We had a very good pleasure of meeting Toni for the first time when he and Raluca were at Oklahoma State University. Raluca and Jim had a very productive genomic selection research project with American Angus cattle that spanned many years of collaborative research. Toni was always there giving wonderful advice. Shortly after Toni and Raluca moved to the University of Florida, we had the incredible pleasure of spending some time in their new home that they had just completed building. Our eldest son was playing in the high school band at Walt Disney World. Toni and Raluca opened the doors wide for a couple days visit. As other have mentioned the wildlife were already creating havoc with the fruit trees that Toni had planted. We also had the pleasure of watching a tennis match on Toni’s massive TV. You would move your entire head back and forth as you watched the match. It was grand! As with others, the food, the coffee and the friendship was incredible. Of course, Toni had a Romanian bread that was delicious. Though it all, the food and friendship are somethings that we will forever cherish. Thank you for being a wonderful person. We will miss you.

Renee Parks-James
Reddick, FL

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Francesco Pinelli

Palermo, Italy

Hi Toni, I know you have suffered so much in the very last part of your life because of this awful disease... I'm glad I could stay in touch with you through video calls in the last two years. You have been a lot more than the chair of my Master in animal breeding at Cornell University. It was a great privilege for me to keep working with you for many years after graduation, and host you in Sicily the many times you came for our genetic project. You loved visiting us to provide your scientific and operational advising, working in the field, side by side with technicians and farmers, sharing with us problems, and solutions of course! I found a photo gallery of some special moments with farmers involved in our project which I'm attaching here. All these people were so excited when you were coming from "America": they knew we were doing a good job together to move forward; farmers felt their sheep breed was international!! I know you also loved our land, in spite of the many difficulties we have had to develop our work program. All the people you met here in Sicily still keep a great memory of you Toni, everyone could feel you were a bright mind, but most of all how special your human warmth was. We also had a lot of fun together... going by boat in Castellammare in summer time, visiting the islands oround Sicily, discovering new restaurants around, cooking at home linguine with nero di seppie, finding out who were making the best coffee, telling new jokes, in English and Italian, and listening the Italian music you loved... you were crazy about the Renzo Arbore Italian orchestra! Or enjoying Diana Krall in concert at teatro antico di Taormina, that was fantastic! The time spent together with you and Raluca, in Italy and US, is unforgettable for me and my family. It is also thanks to you if Aurora has grown well and is going so far in her studies, although in a very different field: she has grown learning a lot from you, not so much about genetics as that life is good and beautiful, and we can always improve!

I found a nice picture, which I am attaching, of us together with the rector of Cornell University, President Rawling, in 1997 at a graduation meeting. And another one I took in your place in Ithaca, with you and Stefania: you were so nice to invite us to dinner! I also found the letter you wrote for me after graduation before leaving Cornell, which I have the pleasure to remind. You have been a lot more than the chair of my Master degree. It's hard for me to say addio, Toni! I will come very often to visit your web site Raluca has lovingly developed. And read messages and thoughts of other people who have been lucky enough to get to know you.

With so much love Francesco Pinelli

Larry & Ruth Correll
Hilton Head Island, SC

We were so blessed to know and enjoy Toni’s friendship! His beautiful, warm smile and uplifting spirit will be missed. Our hearts go out to his family and especially his beautiful wife, Raluca, as they mourn his loss. Sending our love, prayers and sympathies!

Antonello Cannas
Sassari, Italy

Toni was a professor while a was doing my PhD at Cornell. We became friends and I had the honor to receive him and Raluca at my University (Sassari, Sardinia, Italy). He and Raluca gave a seminar in my Department and then we visited farms and some archeological sites and villages, as you can see from some of the pictures posted. Toni was a great scientist and a wonderful person, I will always keep his memory vivid in my mind. Antonello Cannas

Frank Kenlon
Gainesville, FL

I had the great good fortune to meet Toni as part of the Jonesville Tennis Center Wednesday am tennis group about two years ago. Toni and Raluca were 'regulars' so I got to know them better over time both on and off the tennis court. I did not know Toni's complete history until I read it on this website but his myriad accomplishments speak for themselves. Our country is very fortunate that individuals like Toni and Raluca are willing to move here to join us. As a tennis player, Toni was a wonderful combination of competitiveness and good humor -- a joy to play with and against. I am sure he was a great colleague and friend in his professional and personal life as well. While we will miss him dearly, we will remember him always.

Danny Fox
Ithaca, NY

I knew Toni as a colleague in Cornell Animal Science from the time he joined our faculty until I retired in 2005. I remember most his smile, friendliness and warmth. I was saddened to hear of his passing, and am glad he had a good and happy life.

David Holmes & Beth Johnson
Newberry, FL

Although we knew Toni only briefly from tennis doubles at Jonesville, we remember him not only as such a good player but also as a real gentleman. It was always a pleasure to be on court with him. Rest in peace, Toni.

Sally Kathryn Williams
Gainesville, FL

Ralucca, Prayers and condolences to you and your family. Sally

Peter Johnson
Takoma Park, MD

I write this shortly after the first anniversary of Toni’s death. No matter how much time passes, Toni will always be remembered with extreme love & gratitude in my mind & heart. To say he was a significant person in my life is an understatement.

He was instrumental in so many ways starting as an undergraduate at Cornell as my Animal Science Advisor. He was SO MUCH MORE than the typical undergraduate advisor that my friends had. How many advisors invite you over to their house for dinner & Monday night football? Not many & certainly not periodically as Toni & Liz did. Homemade dinners to an undergraduate plus throw in some football. How can it be any better?

But it was. When I consulted with him about applying to spend the undergraduate junior year as an exchange student in Mexico, he was enthusiastic. And I was selected, likely helped by his recommendation to the selection committee.

He always thought I was best suited & would be happiest with a Ph.D. even though I had the idea of going to Cornell’s veterinary college. He fully supported the vet school idea, but every so often would talk up graduate school as another alternative. “But Toni, you yourself are a veterinarian.” “Yes, but look how I ended up getting a Ph.D..” :)

While in vet school I stayed connected with Toni. He was happy for me (even if a part may have thought a Ph.D. would be even better some day :) ).

Life took me to Peru as a volunteer veterinarian for several years in the Andes. I visited with Toni in Ithaca during a short trip back to the US. How could I not see my mentor, trusted friend, & by then someone who felt like extended family. Toni told me that the work I was doing was wonderful & useful. It was clear he was proud of it. He added that the current benefit was to a limited population. If I were to come back & get a Ph.D,. then I could seek employment in an international organization & contribute even broader benefits to more people & animals & more countries.

I will always remember how I responded. “Thanks, Toni. I appreciate the idea but I am very happy in Peru.” But Toni the mentor had done what is most important. He planted the Ph.D. seed back into my mind.

Within a year, my mindset shifted in Peru. I still loved the work, but the idea of a Ph.D. sprouted into a rapidly growing tree, at least as an idea. I wrote Toni to ask what application materials, etc. would I need to submit. He quickly had everything sent which happily did reach the rural post office without being stolen. And thank goodness my GRE scores hadn’t passed the time limit & could still be used!

One day a thick envelope arrived from the Department Chair of Animal Science at Cornell. I was offered a full Ph.D. teaching assistantship with Toni. For a volunteer with no money, this was better than winning the lottery. AND Toni would soon be my Ph.D. mentor!

I tell everyone that I had the best, most enjoyable Ph.D. program. And it’s true. Toni wanted me to mold the program to what drove my interests for the future (of course, within limits :) ). The story is too long but Toni provided just the right amount of oversight, clear expectations of rigor, & freedom.
The Ph.D. that Toni always thought would be the “happiest” choice for me, ultimately was true. :)

Life plans change. Instead of joining an international organization, I found a thoroughly satisfying & enriching career at the USDA-National Institute of Food & Agriculture. That job required a Ph.D.. As useful as a D.V.M. is, that would not have been sufficient to be hired.

I could go on & on. Over the subsequent years, I kept in touch with Toni but not as often as my intentions to do so. When I did see him & Raluca in Washington, DC it was a delight & joy. Talking on the phone was similar.

From our first meeting at Cornell (August 1974), until we were last in touch, without reservation or hesitation Toni ALWAYS gave his full time, attention & generosity to me. He was a steady encouraging influence for decades & was pivotal to the professional I became.

Most importantly, I felt like he was a beloved family member who had wisdom to share, plus lots of laughs & joviality, & let’s not forget the delicious & savory meals. :)

Toni is not physically among us now, but his presence remains with me & is palpable.

Thank you, Toni! You were loved & remain so even now.
Peter

Jan & Carl Wagner Gainesville, FL

Lenna & Roger Trancik Ithaca, NY

Bridget Grogan Gainesville, FL

Tim Sorel Gainesville, FL

Paul McBride Durham, NC

Linda McBride Durham, NC

Arlene & Bennett Brummer Gainesville, FL

Bo Algers Skara, Sweden

Liz Oltenacu Kettering, UK

Reem Abu-Rustum & Kamil Kuran Gainesville, FL

Steven Huss Newberry, FL

Al Guarino Alachua, FL

Tom Walsh Gainesville, FL

John Dickinson Gainesville, FL

Renee Simmons Gainesville, FL

Jennifer Fisher & Glenn Smith Gainesville, FL

Judy Provost Newberry, FL

Brent & Mary Shannon Sellers Bowling Green, FL

Twyla Davis Davie, FL

Debra Nagy Bell, FL

Don Bennink Bell, FL

Pam Krueger Gainesville, FL

Angelita Ortiz Bradenton, FL

George Wanjala Hungary

Dave Wood (Woody) Gainesville, FL

Radovan Kasarda Nitra, Slovakia

Hans Sölkner Vienna, Austria

Mario Gainesville, FL

Saundra TenBroeck Gainesville, FL

Megan Rolf Manhattan, KS

Jack Dekkers Ames, Iowa

Max Rothschild Ames, Iowa

John Kish Gainesville, FL

Joe Paschal Corpus Christi, TX

Steve Dennis Gainesville, FL

Horia Grosu Bucharest, Romania

Lokenga Badinga Gainesville, FL

John Pollak Pierre, South Dakota

Evelina Santangelo Palermo, Italy

Stefania Carpino Italy

Jay Bohrer Jonesville, FL

Jane Pollak Pierre, South Dakota