RADU TOMA
                               1961-February 13, 2022
                               Residence: Palo Alto, California
 

It is with immense sadness we announce the passing of Professor Radu Toma, at 60 years of age, on February 13th, 2022 from injuries sustained from a mugging that occurred while he was visiting in Colombia. Radu was a teacher at Palo Alto High School, Palo Alto, CA, and an adjunct professor of Mathematics at Canada College, Redwood City, CA, beloved father, and friend. He retired from Paly in June, 2021 after 27 years. 
 

Radu was born in Brasov, Romania, in 1961. He graduated with an MS in Mathematics from the University of Bucharest, Department of Mathematics, and later obtained an MS in Education from California State University-East Bay. Radu had a long and highly successful career during which he changed for the better the lives (and mathematical understanding) of so many of his students. He was recognized internationally as a first-place winning mathematics coach in the COMAP International Mathematical Modelling Challenge, where he won first place with his students several times. He was also the coach and teacher for students who medaled in the International Mathematics Olympiad. His achievements in mathematics coaching were recognized by the US Congress and State Department.
 

Radu was about a lot more than his career. He loved to travel and he was an adventurous traveler who visited more than 80 countries. He was an avid reader and enjoyed gathering with friends around a bottle of wine. Radu had an incredible sense of humor, energy, and an infectiously optimistic personality that we will never forget. Rest in peace dear father and dear friend. Radu is survived by his beloved daughter, Emma Marie Toma who resides in London, UK.
 

Radu Toma's memorial service took place on March 4th, 10:00 am, at Alta Mesa Memorial Park Chapel, 695 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Urn placement into niche will follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Unbound charity (www.unbound.org) to help children around the world. This charity was very dear to his heart.