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Sgt. Nicholas A. "Nick" Tomko

Nicholas Tomko Obituary

Sgt. Nicholas Tomko
Sgt. Nicholas A. "Nick" Tomko, 24, of McKees Rocks, formerly of Hampton Township and of Butler, died Sunday in Iraq in military service to his country.
Born Feb. 16, 1979, he was the son of Jack Tomko and the late Sherry Pfab Tomko.
A 1997 graduate of Hampton High School, he was a sergeant in the New Kensington 307th Military Police Co., Army Reserves, currently on active duty in Iraq.
He is survived by a son, Ethan Tomko; his fiancée, Jessica Baillie; his father; his maternal grandmother, Frances Pfab; his paternal grandmother, Lena Tomko Bowser; and a stepbrother, Jack Henderson.
TOMKO - Friends of Nicholas A. "Nick" Tomko" who died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, will be received from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday at HERBERT R. KING JR. FUNERAL HOME, Route 8 at 2841 Woodland Circle, Allison Park. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Church, Middle Road, Glenshaw. The Rev. Ronald Baillie, vicar of the Church of the Good Samaritan in McKeesport, will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow at Allegheny County Memorial Park, Allison Park.
Information also is available at www.kingfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Butler Eagle on Nov. 14, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Tomko

Not sure what to say?





High School Classmates!

June 22, 2017

RIP, thank you for your service and dedication!

Charlie Gili

April 30, 2013

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Tomko Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Corrin Tomko

May 28, 2012

I miss you and so does the whole family you will always be a hero to me! You gave your life for our freedom and thats such a wonderful honor!!!! I love you nick and I know you are safe w your mommy in heaven! We will all be together soon one day!!! Till we meet again!!!! RIP Ilove you

corrin tomko

May 28, 2012

I will always rem the times we shared at uncle jacks as children! I love you dearly RIP Nick you are and were a brave soul! I miss you!

corrin tomko

May 28, 2012

You are sadly missed. I love you cousin and you will never be forgotten for what you did for our country! I rem the tire swing At uncle jacks as children and have so many wonderful memories of you! I love you and one day we will meet again! I miss you!

Kim Parshall-Rodgers

November 14, 2011

RIP cousin. You are sadly missed! Love, Kimmie

John Pfab

November 11, 2011

8 years and 2 days gone from here, I know that you & your mom are well-cared for by God. I hope that the 2 of you can see your son/her grandchild. On this Veterans Day, God bless you for serving our country so well. We miss you so much every day and I thank God to having been with you here on Earth. Peace be with both of you.
Love, Uncle John Brian-Aunt Flo and kids

Peggy Childers

November 10, 2011

November 9, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. Nicholas A. Tomko:
Please accept my remembrance of Nicholas on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Felicia Udani

November 9, 2010

Nick was a great soldier. I had the honor of serving with him in Bosnia. On this, the anniversary of that tragic day... please know he is not forgotten, and will always be in our hearts.

Peggy Childers

November 9, 2010

To the family and friends of Sgt. Nicholas A. Tomko:
Remembering Nicholas on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Corrin Tomko

July 8, 2010

I will always love u and rem you were my favorite cousin....u r deeply missed.

Kenna Kay

December 22, 2009

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,850 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna

November 11, 2009

Jack,
It was a pleasure to see you again. You and your family are always in my prayers.

Bill Powers ( former 307th MP)

Shannon Mullen

March 9, 2009

I can tell you this was A great person! I worked with Nick I Bosnia. Always a pos. frame of mind and a willingness to help others.

Peggy Childers

November 28, 2008

Thanksgiving Day, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Nicholas A. Tomko:
Nicholas gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

In Memory of Nicholas ~ (Debra Estep)

November 13, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Nicholas, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Doug Sheppard

November 13, 2008

I found the Fallen Soldier Tribute Geocoin for Nicholas. Thank you! Thank you! for his ultimate sacrafice and grieve with you over your loss. This is the second one of these I have found. What a great way to remember our heros and thank you for sharing his memory with us.

Joshua Boylan

November 9, 2008

Nick. Its been 5 years today since i saw you last. I miss you more than ever! You were my brother and i miss you so much. I posted the bagpipe tribute from CSM Douglas and a picture of the "MONSTER" on my facebook. Rest in peace bro. Ill see ya when i get there.

Karen Hull

August 2, 2008

There are no words to speak that can take away the hurt you are feeling. My cousin Sgt. Eric R Hull was in the same unit as Nick and passed on August 18, 2003. It seems unreal that time has gone by so fast...Just know that they are both watching over all of us. We will see them again someday! Hugs to your family from me!

maggie selzer

July 31, 2008

To the family and friends of Sgt. Tomko,

I am so sorry for your loss.

My name is Maggie Selzer, and I am directing ‘Run for the Fallen 5K run/walk’ in Boalsburg, PA (just outside of State College) on August 24th, 2008. The event, held on the PA military Museum grounds, aims to keep alive the memory of all fallen soldiers, but particularly those from PA. All proceeds from the event will go to organizations that support the families of fallen soldiers and supports wounded soldiers.

I encourage you to learn more about the event at www.freewebs.com/runforthefallen5k/
index.htm.

The event is meant to keep alive the memories of brave men like Sgt. Tomko.

If you have any questions, or would like to send a memory of Sgt. Tomko to be included with the flag memorial that will be set up at this event, please contact me at (814) 571-8755 or

[email protected].

Justin Bowser

June 12, 2008

Jack, There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about Nick. I remember me, my dad and my brother always coming to your house to watch the Steeler game. After the game me and Nick and Jesse would ride our bikes around Meridian and play basketball behind your house. I wanted to let you know how proud I am that my cousin was such a brave hero! He is greatly missed and will never be forgotten.

March 22, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Tomko!

William Powers

November 15, 2007

I had the honor of serving with Nick in both Bosnia and Iraq. While in Bosnia we became good friends as he drug me to the gym for a daily workout. In Iraq we were in the same platoon. He has helped me in many ways. I want you to know he was truly a great person and soldier.
Former 307th MP

August 6, 2007

I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

July 7, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Tomko and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Frank & Margie Klinger

May 28, 2007

May , the Lord , give you strengh during , your time of sorrow.

Patrick Eller

November 20, 2006

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I knew nick, we were battle buddies during basic training from Aug 99 - Dec 99. We shared some great times to include getting tattoos together when he got TOMKO from shoulder to shoulder. He was such a great friend and and a very dedicated soldier. I know that he has watched over me through my recent deployments and that he will continue to do so in the future.

Garnet Jenkins

November 9, 2006

Paying tribute to Sgt. Nicholas A. Tomko, on this 3rd anniversary of the day he gave his life for our Country and for Freedom.
Rest Well Nicholas in the Hands of God.
You Will Never Be Forgotten.
You have Paid the Ultimate Price for So Many.
As with my brother, whom we lost in Vietnam, you will always be loved and missed by everyone whose life you touched.

Treasure this young hero Lord, In Your garden of rest,
For when here on this earth, He was one of our best.

May the Peace of God and your memories of Nicholas,
remain in your heart always.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Colonel Christine Stark

May 18, 2006

Jack and Family,

It has been over two years since Nick gave his life for our great country. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him, and all that he contributed in his short life. A loving father, a compassionate son, and a true friend to all those fortunate enough to have known him. I keep a picture of him from Bosnia being chased by the Police Dogs on my desk...it still puts a smile on my face. SGT Nick Tomko will not be forgotten.

Christine Stark

Director Law Enforcement Operations

Peace and Stability Operations Institute.

Kim Rodgers

February 28, 2006

Hi Nick,

We all really miss you here. I know alot of people that are very proud of you. Your dad especially! I wish you were here for your dad, he loves you. As does the rest of your family. Your all our hero!

Your cousin,

Kim

Gail (Pfab) Blaker

February 13, 2006

Nick's birthday is this week and with that anniversary, I have been remembering very fondly the wonderful times we had with him as a child growing up in the Pfab household with his cousins Jason, Patrick, Fashion and Jennifer. Nick, you were my sister's child and became like a son to me after her death. Your cousin Fashion and I miss you greatly and know we will see you again one day.

CSM Patrick Douglas

January 31, 2006

I had the honor of being Nicks Brigade Command Sergeant Major in Camp Dogwood, Iraq. I remember going out with him on a few 4 in the morning IED patrols with nothing more than a large spotlight, a few Humvees and a lot of guts. On one particular patrol I was actually his back seat gunner and I remember how uncomfortable he was that I was in the backseat and not him, (the ranking person normally sits up front to operate the radios...) but it was his patrol and I insisted. Once he figured out that he was in charge he performed superbly, controlling the convoy speed, direction and scanning for targets or IEDs. He and his guys saved a lot of soldiers lives by finding explosives along our convoy route to Baghdad by doing those midnight to 4 patrols and I still thank him for that. I was in the HQs and heard the firefight over the radio the night he was killed, and they really gave the enemy everything they had that night. I went directly to the hospital when we got word that the patrol had taken casualties and was with him after he was hit. The doctors there did everything they could to save his life but it was just his time. I had the task of going outside and informing his team that he didnt make it, and we all cried together out there in the darkness. I also had the honor of Playing the Bagpipes at the Memorial Service in his honor in Iraq. I remember that it was very hard to play, as I was crying along with all the rest of the soldiers. I have recently made arraingments to display those Bagpipes at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in Newburg NY in honor of both our Purple Hearts.

Tom Gugliuzzas-Smith

December 19, 2005

My heartfelt sympathy to the Tomko family in the loss of Nicholas. I did not know Nicholas, ( I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 52 yrs.) but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a young man. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. It has been a little over two years since your loss, but Nicholas is not forgotten.

I send each of you a hug from my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

Maj. Robert Lefler

November 22, 2005

Heros come in many forms, but none so memorable as the one who touches all. This soldier has touched many hearts and is a hero to the children of St. Mary's School in Glenshaw.



Thank you Sgt. Tomko.

Jamie Graves

October 5, 2005

God Bless ( Jamie,Navy wife)

SSG REUBEN LAYTON

July 18, 2005

Nick,

You are so greatly missed by so many. Your sacrifice for the greater good in Iraq means so much. I will never forget the good and bad times we had in Bosnia. I miss you pal.



SSG Reuben Layton

Carol Voss

June 8, 2005

My deepest sympathy on your loss.

Shane Tomko

May 31, 2005

Dear Tomko's: I know that we are somehow related and I have been tracking the story of Nicholas. I send my most heartfelt condolences on your loss, but also to the loss of our nation. I was in the initial attack into Afghanistan and Kandahar and I know full well what Nicholas had to endure. Please be proud of him, his warrior spirit, and the great legacy of the Tomko name. Nicholas's name truly struck a chord with me, and I just named my newborn son Nikolas. So, please know that I will rear my boy to be proud and patriotic like your own Nicholas. And if you ever need any assistance from me--please do not hesitate to call. We are family! I leave you with the words of Stonewall Jackson: "God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave." I am certain that Nicholas was both brave and ready, and I will do my utmost to honor his name in the future with my service.

Respectfully and Semper Fidelis,

Major T. Shane "Rhino" Tomko USMC

the powell family

May 11, 2005

you have our deepest sympathy,we were so sorry to hear about the loss of your son.your son will always be remembered as being a hero,a young man willing to give his life so we can all be safe. i hope when his son is old enough to understand what happen to his dad you will tell him how special he was.

Mike Sarraino

April 2, 2005

Your family is in our families devotions, that they find peace in Jesus, We want to send our deepest sympathy to the family and hope that someday we will all meet in heaven.

The Sarraino Family

Cindy

March 27, 2005

you can find the bracelets at herobracelets.org I found the site this week and you can special order a bracelet with Nick's name which I intend to do.

lisa pfab

March 26, 2005

I am Nicholas's aunt and would love to know how to get the bracelet that the previous writer wrote of. We miss him dearly....

Brian Burnell

March 25, 2005

While Watching TV back in December I saw a man who was selling Braclets with the name of those soliders who died in Iraq with part of the proceeds going to the soliders families. I purchased a braclet and it had the name of Sgt. Nicholas Tomko Printed on it. I wanted to let you his family know that I will be wearing this braclet with honor and humility. I have also made it a point to find out all I can about Nick, so that when people see the braclet and ask me about it I can tell them about the man behind the name. If I had one wish it would be that good men would not have to die in defense of freedom. But since we live in a world full of evil I thank God for men like Nick that are willing to sacrifice their lives so that others can live in a free and democratic society. May God bless and comfort you in your grief.

Valerie Grandy

November 22, 2003

To all of the Tomko Family: We are very sorry for your loss. Nick was a soldier fighting for us, now he is an Angel, in Heaven. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Nick, but I am Pres. of a community support group for all the troops, in any branch of the military; the Yellow Ribbon Families. I believe some day we will have the pleasure of meeting him. I also believe as an Angel, Nick will still be saving lives in the form of a Guardian Angel. God be with you all at this very difficult time in your lives.

Valerie Grandy and the Yellow Ribbon Families.

Amanda & Caitlyn Maksinchuk (Adams)

November 21, 2003

Jack, I'm so sorry for your loss.You and your family are in our hearts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy.

Cathy Tomko

November 20, 2003

Jack,



We are so sorry for your loss. This has hit your twin brother greatly, your loss is his loss too. You must be very proud of your son. He was defending his country and gave his life for it.



Cathy Tomko and John Tomko and family

Robert N. Gettings

November 19, 2003

I can only hope to shake your hand in years to come. Bob Gettings USMC 70-73

Tom Mitchell

November 19, 2003

Jack and Family:

Words can't say how much I feel for you and your family. I remember Nick as a small boy, and I am proud of him for all his great accomplishments as a man. Cherish your grandson, for he his part of Nick.

Truly sorry for all your family.

Sincerely,

Tom and Barbara Mitchell

Roger, Lisa, Jake and Nathanael Pfab

November 19, 2003

We are so proud to be able to say that Nicholas was our family. His grandmother is so proud of him and the man he became. We know that he is with the Lord, and that he is at peace. We hope to be able to convey to Ethan how loved his father is, the beautiful boy he was and the wonderful man he became. Nicholas, we will always love and miss you. Until we meet in heaven....With love Uncle Roger, Aunt Lisa, And Grandma..

Darci Miller

November 19, 2003

Jack,

I met you years ago when you lived in Meridian. Nick was just a small boy and I admired you for raising him on your own back then and now. Know you did a great job and the sacrifice he made for all of us is proof of that. Be proud of your son and of yourself for a job well done. May time bring peace to you and your entire family during this most difficult of times. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

God Bless you.

shawn reynolds

November 19, 2003

jess and ethan, the man you call love or father was one of the greatest men i have ever known. he was allways there for me, when i needed him the most. my twins were born one month after ethan was. when i worked with him at wal-mart and sunoco he was allways the nicest person you could meet. i can not wait untill some day i will be able to tell my children what a wonderfull person he was. my thoughts and prayers go out to jess and ethan. and god bless Sgt. Nicholas Tomko. you will be missed.

friend

November 19, 2003

my thoughts and prayers are with the tomko family. i went to high school with him and he was a great guy. he will be greatly missed.

high school friend

November 18, 2003

to the tomko family,



my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of nick. i went to high school with nick when he went to butler high. i remember him as a quiet, but very sweet guy. i haven't seen you in years but, nick, i thank you so much for giving the ultimate sacrafice for our freedom...God bless and rest in peace.

Kim Rodgers

November 18, 2003

My family, (The Tomkos) are so proud of Nicholas. It is so nice to hear from others on their time spent with him. Its neat to know how much he ment to everyone wherever he went. I am sad to say that I didnt keep in touch with him and I wish I would of. He is my hero, my cousin. We (The Tomkos)thank everyone for their prayers and support. God Bless our Troops!

Carol Schnur

November 18, 2003

Dear Mr Tomko,

You probably do not remember me but I was a room mother at Meridian School and got to know Nicholas from the parties and other functions at the school. It has been many years since I last saw him but I want you to know what a special little boy he was. I will always remember his smile and the twinkle in his eyes. My son Jonathan went to school with Nick and has wonderful memories of him also. May God bless you and your family.

Pat Hufnagel

November 17, 2003

Dear Family of Sgt. Nicholas Tomko,

The military family is a strong, close, and proud family that does not forget its heroes. Nicholas will always be a hero, and his family will always be in our prayers.

A Military Mom,

Pat Hufnagel

Jeanne & Danielle Martino

November 17, 2003

To Nick's Family, especially Mrs. Sue Baillie, Ethan's grandmother and dear friend of ours. We are saddened by this news, and praying for all of Nick's family, especially Jess and Ethan. Thank-you Nick for your ultimate sacrifice. Jeanne & Danielle Martino.

Bob Radwan

November 17, 2003

To the Tomko family, my feelings of sorrow and my heart goes to you all but will not cover the loss of your son, husband, or father. My prayers are with you all. I knew your son from the 336th MP BN and the 307th MP Co. He was a great man and soldier. I was proud to serve with him. Please know that he was an excellent soldier and served his country well. I tried to meet up with the 307th to see all my friends over in Iraq but could never find them. Take care Nick and remember we all do care and will remember you so that you do live on forever.



Cpt Robert Radwan

November 17, 2003

I met Nick about a year ago,for only a brief time. I know alot of his friends and I have never heard a bad word spoke of him. My heart goes out to his family and mostly his son. His son will be so proud to know that his daddy fought for his country and for that he will always be his hero. RIP Nick.

Wendy Roan

November 17, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice. We are truly sorry for your loss.

Mike Rusiewicz

November 17, 2003

You have my sincerest sympathy. Nick was one of my students here at Hampton High School (math). I remember him as being quiet, but strong. Always a sheepish smile...always respectful. It would be great to have a class filled with the same character as Nick's. Now, it is my turn to show that same respect for Nick. As an ex Army reservist myself, I know Nick was surrounded by other soldiers that had a bond that was hard to imagine. One article mentioned that Nick "...touched people in the military and civilians, whether local nationals in Bosnia or here in Iraq..." and here at Hampton High School also...

Is there a fund for Nick's son? If so, could you let us know here at Hampton High.

Be strong and hang on to those memories.

Mike Rusiewicz

Cindy

November 17, 2003

My heartfelt sympathies to Nick's family. I met Nick when he was still in school when he would come into to Sheetz when I worked there. He was a fine young man and I will miss seeing his smiling face. May his son know what a good man he was.

Mr. & Mrs. J. A. Green

November 16, 2003

To the Tomko family ,

Our prayers and love to you .

John & Debbie Smith

November 16, 2003

Our deepest sympathys to your family. Our son Brian Bender was good friends with Nick through Elementary School. We've seen Nick since then & were very touched with the way Nick had grown into such a fine young man. A son to be very proud of. We are deeply sorry that his own son will not be able to experience the wonderful father he was blessed with. Thank you Nick for fighting for this fine country we all live in. May your Spirit live on forever. God Bless You. With Love, John, Debbie & Brian

A friend of Nick

November 16, 2003

To the family of Nick---

I met Nick last year, and from the very moment he said hello I knew he was a special guy. We talked about his dreams and aspirations of going into the law enforcement field. He knew that he was going to be called to Iraq soon, but said it was something he had to do...He is the bravest person I have ever met and I will cherish the fun memories he left me with. RIP Sgt Nicholas Tomko

John Pfab

November 16, 2003

Nick, it's with a heavy heart that we have to say goodbye, but you'll be with us in spirit forever. Your courage and bravery in defending our country in Bosnia and Iraq are to be commended. We pray that God holds you, your mom and Grandpa Pfab close to Him, and let Him know of the brave deeds you've done here on Earth. You were a shining example of a young man that many others should follow. God bless you, Nick.



Uncle Brian, Aunt Flo

Ricky, Becca, Troy and Danielle

Cindy Conklin

November 15, 2003

My sister Marcia has been serving with Nick in Baghdad in the 307TH. She's written me about what a great guy he was and about the beautiful memorial they had for him there. Please except our deepest sympathies for the loss of your hero and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda Kelly

November 15, 2003

Dear Mrs. Tomko:

May God comfort you during this very sad time. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I was so sorry to hear of your husband's sudden passing. He fought for our country and we should all be proud of him. God Bless You. Linda Kelly

Dianne Werner

November 15, 2003

Dear Military Family,



Please accept my deepest sympathy. I did not know Nicholas, but I know that he was one of America's heroes. I wept at his loss. May he rest in Our Heavenly Father's Arms.



A Military Mom

Missi and Gene Koebler

November 15, 2003

Our heartfelt sympathy to all of the family. God be with you all, at this very sad and difficult time.

Diane

November 15, 2003

Deepest Sympathy to the Family of Sgt. Nicholas Tomko.Thank you for your service to our country. My prayers are with you. Diane

courtney cover

November 14, 2003

Nick will be missed alot by alot of people. Even though i hadnt seen nick for awhile i still consider him a good friend we have alot of good memories to remember him by!!

Michael KachayloJr CW4, USA (Ret)

November 14, 2003

To a fellow member of our proud military. "Soldier on".

Michael Kachaylo Jr CW4, USA(Ret)

November 14, 2003

To a fellow member of our proud milirary. "Soldier on".

June Michel

November 14, 2003

MY DEEPEST SYMPTHY TO THE TOMKO FAMILY.I DIDN'T KNOW NICK BUT I KNEW JESS AND THE ADORABLE LITTLE ETHAN HE WAS LIKE A GRANDSON TO ME.

MY HEART ACHES FOR HIM, BUT WHEN HE GETS OLDER HE WILL LEARN WHAT A HERO HIS FATHER WAS TO ALL OF US. AND JESS MAY YOU TREASURE ALL THE SPECIAL MEMORIES THAT THE THREE OF YOU HAD.

REST IN PEACE NICK YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYERS.

Jaime Coudriet

November 14, 2003

Dear Jack,



I am so sorry for your loss. My son Garrett goes to preschool with your grandson James. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Thank you Nicholas for helping to protect our freedom. May god bless all of you.



Jaime, Dave, Garrett and Connor Coudriet

Tara Moore

November 14, 2003

My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Nick Tomko. My brother, Kevin Luffy, is in Nick's unit and I know they were close as they spent time in Bosnia together. Please know that our family is praying for Nick and his loved ones.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Nicholas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

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Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor Nicholas Tomko's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

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