With broken hearts, we announce that Adam Dunn Toronto passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, on Nov. 16 in San Francisco, California where he lived and worked. He is survived by his parents Richard and Marilyn Toronto, his five siblings, Jesse (Tiffany), Esther, Joanna, Brett, and Abby Shumway (Rosson). He adored his nieces and nephews Madison, Robby, Eli, Taylor, Jordan, Ryland and Clara Toronto, and Rickie and Sunnie Shumway, and countless extended family, friends, and co-workers whom he loved.
Adam was born Feb. 20, 1981, and grew up primarily in Mesa Arizona, but also lived in Taiwan and Colorado during his childhood. He was a gifted pianist, athlete, and academic scholar growing up, graduating from Mountain view High School, after which he served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-DaySaints in Peru. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Arizona State University, followed by a Master of Science in Public Administration degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. He spent 15 years in the Life Sciences industry where he directed corporate compliance for many of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. His remarkable career pursuits took him to Boston, Orange County, and San Francisco – all places that he loved and called home.
Adam’s sparkling personality, generosity, and love of people were truly unmatched. His unique ability to befriend and show true unconditional love for everyone he met garnered him thousands of friends from all walks of life, all of whom loved him deeply. He will be missed more than we can say.
Funeral services will be held Saturday Dec. 3 at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1266 S. 32nd St, Mesa, AZ 85204, with a viewing beforehand beginning at 9am. There will also be a viewing Friday night Dec. 2 from 6-8 at the Toronto home, 955 S 26th St. Mesa, 85204. In lieu of flowers, donations in Adam’s name can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, one of his favorite charities.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Dear Toronto family, please receive our condolences. I am Melissa Estrada, daughter of Sariah and Enrique, I don’t know if you remember, but 20 years ago Adam finished his mission, you, Adam’s parents, were at my house in Manylsa and we spent very special moments with Adam, today I want to give my family condolences to you. We were very close to him, we celebrated his birthday even when it had already passed, but we always made him feel at home. Today our hearts break but we know that we will see him again because He knew and so did we about the plan of Salvation. may our Heavenly Father give you love and peace in your hearts dear Adam family ❤
Sending my deepest condolences to the Toronto family. Adam will live in our hearts! Prayers and love.
mis condolencias a toda lafamilia TORONTO, ADAN fue mi compañero de Mision en Lima Este, no tengo palabras para contar las bonitas experiencias de ser su compañero, su alegria su humor, ademas tuve el honor tambien de conocer a su hermano Jesse quien fue misionero en mi Barrio Capullanas – Piura. Lo extrañare a mi compañero y amigo HASTA SIEMPRE AMIGO ADAN TORONTO.
Sending prayers,condolences ❤️🙏to family and friends.Prayers that you find comfort in the Lord during this time of sorrow.
Porgo le mie sentite condoglianze a tutta la famiglia Toronto, in particolare a Richard e Marilyn che ho avuto il piacere di conoscere a Mesa nella loro casa durante uno dei miei viaggi in USA, e al mio caro amico Brett, per la grave perdita del loro caro Adam. Sono molto vicino a tutti voi in questo momento di dolore. La fede nella risurrezione di Cristo e nella vita eterna che ci aspetta vi conforti e possa alleviare la vostra sofferenza. Un giorno ci incontreremo tutti di nuovo. Sono presente accanto a voi in questi giorni e vi assicuro la mia preghiera. Un saluto cordiale e un abbraccio fraterno a ciascuno di voi, particolarmente a Brett.
Pierluigi
My sincere heartfelt condolences to the Toronto family. Adam was a very special person. He will be deeply missed.
Adam was a professional friend of mine who became a personal friend and I was always in awe of his positive outlook and never ending energy. He was so supportive of me when I would be doubting myself. I already miss him terribly and hope he rests in power. He was a powerful energy force and that energy will never die because love always wins. ❤️🏳️🌈❤️🏳️🌈
I am so sorry to read this. I didn’t know Adam but I went to high school with his dad Rick. I also have visited with his lovely mom, Marilyn. Please accept my condolences. I cannot imagine 💔💔💔
I won’t ever forget the first time I met Adam. I was introduced to him amongst a bunch of friends and it is easy to just say “hello, nice to meet you” yet he took the time to visit with me amongst his friends and actually talk to me. He was extremely gracious and so kind to me all of the time and I won’t ever forget it. I don’t think he ever realized how much his first impression stayed with me over the years. A group of us visit him in Boston and yet again he was the most amazing host, very inclusive, loyal and fun to be around. He was a wonderful person, this is such a loss.
Sending your family my deepest sympathies. May you take comfort in loving memory and the friends and family that surround you.
No words can express the sorrow I have in my heart. Adam was a friend that had made an impact in my life. He was a friend that made you sure you are always included whether you like to or not. He lived unapologetically. He will always have a special place in my heart. Love you Adam!
My deepest condolences on the loss of Adam to all his loved ones. I got to know Adam over a decade ago on a professional capacity but we managed to strike up a friendship which (despite life taking us in different directions) kept evolving. Adam was kind, thoughtful and there were so many times we would reconnect after months of silence but we would always pick up where we left off. His energy was infectious and even scrolling through his IG at times would give me joy and uplift me. Not only was he dashing and handsome, he was truly a good soul. I am grateful Adam touched my life through his presence and I am sure he is around us in ways we may not even know of. Love you buddy. Be in peace.
Dear Toronto Family:
I’ve just been made aware of Adam’s passing. He was initially an intern for the National Service Inclusion Project at UMASS Boston and then hired as a staff for the project. He was a stellar professional and a kind co-worker. Not one person had anything negative to say about Adam as there were absolutely none. He was loved by his team. I had the privilege to provide a recommendation early on in his career and then he zoomed up the professional ladder, no surprise!
He often spoke so warmly about his family and was truly excited when he planned a visit home. Mrs. Toronto, he spoke so lovingly about you in particular. Please accept my late heartfelt sympathy. Adam is flying with the angels.
Para mí amigo AdamToronto
Recién hoy supe de tu partida 🥺….no sé exactamente como expresar lo q se siente perderte
Guardo gratos recuerdos contigo….yo tenía 18 cuando te conocí acá en Perú,casi los últimos meses de misión ,cumplias años y fue especial compartir ese día contigo ……Solo tu sabías lo especial que eras para mí y ya te fuiste…..cómo la última vez tu acá en Perú ….sin despedidas sin un adiós ….mis más sinceras condolencias para toda tu familia.