John Toteanu of Inverness, Fla. and West Tisbury died on Sept. 28 after a battle with cancer. He was 78.

John was born in New York city in 1944 to Lillian and John Toteanu.

He had many jobs over the course of his life. As a young teen, he worked in the diamond district of New York city. Later in life, he was a stock car racer, mechanic, fiberglass technician, fisherman, marine mechanic, fire fighter at the Martha’s Vineyard Airport, a pilot, chef, sommelier, restaurant owner, carpenter, mover of houses, part of a marine salvage crew, a heavy equipment operator, part of an asphalt crew for White Brothers, and a mechanic and foreman at Goodale Construction. He was a member of the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society, the Portuguese American Club and the Barnacle Club.

When it came to building or fixing something, there was nothing John could not accomplish if given the time, tools and materials. He put those talents to use helping friends and family throughout his life. His family mourns for the projects left unfinished.

He was married twice. His son Richard was born to his first wife. After vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard, he — like so many — fell in love with Island life and decided to become a resident. There he met his second wife with whom he had two daughters, Anya and Connie. Later, he spent 20 years with his loving partner Leslie Fairbairn, reading in hammocks side by side, becoming snowbirds with a retirement home in Florida and exploring yard sales, estate sales and auctions.

John is survived by his son Richard Toteanu, daughters Connie Toteanu and Anya Toteanu and her husband Mark Vousboukis, and grandchildren Riley and Aurora Vousboukis. He also leaves behind his beloved companion Sylvia Olejarz, the light who brought happiness back into his final years, as well as her son Andrew Rogers.

He was predeceased by his dear Leslie, his parents Lillian and John and his sister Paula.

A private celebration of life will be held on the Vineyard.