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John Tomko Obituary
October 17, 2013
John "Jack" Tomko Jr., 67, of Saint Clair, passed away Thursday at his home.
Born in Pottsville, he was a son of the late John Sr. and Margaret Pelleck Tomko.
He was a school teacher at Schuylkill Haven schools and Pine Grove Elementary and Middle School.
He was a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Saint Clair. He was always faithful to God, family and friends.
John was in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was a highly decorated platoon leader with the 101st Airborne Division, UNIT: Co. B 2/502nd INF VN. He received two Silver Stars and one Bronze Star and received the Purple Heart.
He was in the Penn State Alumni Association, PSEA-retiree and NEA-retiree, a member of Disabled Veterans, AMVETs, the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion.
He enjoyed traveling to Penn State football games, attending shows and listening to music and getting together with a wide circle of family and friends.
He is survived by his brother, Jerome Tomko, husband of Marie Elaine Tomko, Bear Creek Township; and his nephew, Jerome J. Tomko, Bear Creek Township.
A Requiem Divine Liturgy will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Saint Clair. Panachida will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. There will be no calling hours Tuesday. Friends and family are invited to call from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The Saint Clair Honor Guard will honor John with a military service directly following the church service. Interment will be private at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, at a later date. The family would prefer contributions to Saint Clair Veterans Memorial Ambulance Service at P.O. Box 124, Saint Clair, PA 17970. James H. Evans Funeral Home Inc., Saint Clair, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Tomko
July 25, 2014
Not quite sure how I missed the sad news of Jack's passing this past October. I only found out just yesterday. I taught next to Jack at the Pine Grove Middle School for a few years before he retired from teaching. He surely had a talent for making people laugh. Deepest(yet late) sympathy to his twin brother and his family. May he rest in peace. Shirley Kozluskey Clements
Anne (Bixler) Kopke
October 23, 2013
Dear Jerry and family,
I was so very sorry to learn of Jack's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Roseann & Bob Mitchell
October 22, 2013
Jerry, Elaine and Son--May God bless you in this difficult time,and may wonderful memories help you cope and offer some peace.
May Jack rest in peace.
John Dresch
October 21, 2013
Jerry and Family--
My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your brother.
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Susan Schuler
October 21, 2013
I was so sad to read the news of Jack's passing. I had just met Jack at his mom's funeral, and he was such a nice guy! Jerry, my heart breaks for your great loss, especially as you are mourning for your dear mother. You've picked some great photos of the two brothers growing up! I cannot imagine the profound pain of losing a twin. Jerry, my sons and I are praying for you always.
Tom Shade
October 21, 2013
Jack was one of a kind. I can still see him holding court in the "Lincoln chair" in the Pine Grove Area Middle School faculty room. You always knew where he stood on an issue, he had no grey areas. He got me through a very difficult time in my life with a combination of biting humor and a few kicks in the butt. I've missed him since the day he retired. He has gone through a lot, but now is at peace. My sympathy to the family.
Harry Beccari
October 20, 2013
I have fond memories of Jack during my visits upstate with the Campbell clan. His stories and humor enriched my life. Thank you for your service to our great country. May God save your soul
TOMKO BOYS AS THEY GREW
JACK TOMKO, JR.
October 20, 2013
U. S. ARMY 1970
JACK TOMKO JR.
October 20, 2013
Paul and Elizabeth Zechman
October 20, 2013
Mr. Tomko, a man who taught with the passion which he lived his life. HIs love and caring touched so many. All three of my children and we as parents will always remember this great man. Sorry for your lose. Our prayers are with you.
Debi, Allan & Amanda Holley
October 20, 2013
Dear Jerry and Elaine, Our deepest condolences. Jack is finally pain free and at peace. He was the kindest neighbor and the best friend anyone could have asked for. He truly gave anyone anything and it was from the heart and never ever asked for anything in return. What a sad time it is mostly for you Jerry....you lost your twin brother, but what a glorious time in Heaven for him to be united with your mom and dad. Prayers for you all....RIP Jack! Allan, Amanda and I will miss him so much!
Carolyn (Kimmel) Potts
October 19, 2013
Thoughts & prayers to the family...Mr.Tomko was a great teacher.He was one of my favorites at PGAMS.
Vicki and Ron Lichtenwalner
October 19, 2013
We have great memories of Jack. His way with words, story telling ability, and humor were unsurpassed. Whenever we were with him, it felt like a family reunion. He made you feel at home and was fun to be around.
We remember picking him up and taking him to Wilkes Barre to meet Jerry to see Celtic Women in concert. We went to Leggios to eat and shared laughter, "teacher stories", and good Italian veal cutlets. I remember when he showed me his extensive CD collection and talked about all the music he loved. We had many chats when I stopped at the house to drop off or pick up deliveries from my cousin Elaine. He shared a special closeness with Jerry, a very special bond that I found inspiring.
He was a loyal son, brother, and uncle. He will live on in all our memories.
During his short life, he bore many crosses and rolled with the punches. We find comfort knowing that he rests in the arms of Jesus, His savior, and is now reunited with his beloved mother and father.
Gene Lizardi
October 19, 2013
Jack was such a great guy. I worked with him at Pine Grove Area Middle School. He was so much fun. We had lunch together and there was never a dull moment with him. He truly was one in a million. Such a great teacher. So sorry for your loss.
Carol Krammes
October 19, 2013
I always respected Jack as a colleague at Pine Grove Area. While he never minced words, he truly was a kind and generous individual. A patriot he was. May he rest in peace.
Marjorie Fletcher
October 19, 2013
Jerry, I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your twin. I know how close you were. My heart goes out to you and Elaine. If there is any comfort, know that his suffering is over. Love, Marjorie
holly kirchhoff
October 19, 2013
I was sadden to hear about Jack...I worked with him at Pine Grove and loved his sense of humor. He never sugarcoated anything.. After retirement, Jack kept on plugging away, downplaying all his medical issues. Sorry I cannot be there in person on Weds but out of the area right now, but will be there in spirit!
Dennis Davie
October 19, 2013
I salute your veteran. My condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.
October 19, 2013
May GOD hold you close to Him in your sorrow and grief of Jack's sudden passing. I will be praying for each of you. I am so so sorry for all of you. My heart is heavy yet I know that Jack is in the arms of our Lord without any pain and suffering right now!! I hold tight to that promise. Im availalbe for ANYTHING you need assistance with. xoxox Colleen and girls
Ron Stump
October 19, 2013
Mr. Tomko was my 6th grade math teacher at PGAMS, and he was my chaperone for a few field trips/band trips. He was a fun teacher who commanded and received respect.
Wendy (sorokach) Hueston
October 19, 2013
Throughout school I was never a big math fan, but I always enjoyed Mr. Tomko's class. He was a great man. My condolences to the family.
c fenton
October 19, 2013
Vichnaya Pamyat.
Jerry, I remember you and your brother from the Carroll St. Elementary School. I think that you both served on the safety patrol at the Carroll St. Elementary School. Your Dad worked with my Dad at the old Sears store in Pottsville. With Prayers and Sympathy for your family's loss.
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