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William Tonkin Obituary
He was born in Scranton, the son of Helen A. Wegge Tonkin, Scranton, and the late William H. Tonkin Sr. He was a member of Saint John Neumann Parish, a graduate of Scranton Technical High School and a graduate of the University of Scranton, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education in English and a master's degree in Administration. He was a member of the Waldorf Park German American Federation and the Quiet Man Society, was involved with the Military Draft Board and part of the safety awareness team at Montage. He served on the Board of the Serving Seniors Inc. and was a volunteer for the Special Olympics. He coached the football, basketball, cross country teams and the girls softball team. Prior to retirement, he was an English teacher at Scranton Technical High School for 30 years. After retirement, he worked for the Lackawanna County Parks and Recreation Department.
He enjoyed playing golf and snow skiing. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears football team and the Boston Red Sox baseball team.
The family would like to thank the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, the Bayada nurses, the VNA Hospice and Dr. Eric Smith. A very special thank you to his longtime and valued friends who helped him every day of his valiant battle. Also a heartfelt thank you to Gina Leone for her support and hospitality in New Jersey.
In addition to his wife and mother, surviving are two sons, William H. Tonkin and his wife, Rachel, Scranton; and Capt. T.J. Tonkin, serving with the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Dix, N.J..; two grandchildren, Ashton Dainty and Jaxon Tonkin, Scranton.
The funeral will be Saturday at 9:00 a.m. from the Miller Bean Funeral Home Inc., 436 Cedar Avenue, Scranton, with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the Holy Name of Jesus Church, corner of East Elm Street and Froude Avenue. Entombment will follow in the Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.
Friends may call today from 5 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 712 S Keyser Ave. Taylor, PA 18517.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Tonkin
Steve Szakal
November 11, 2014
Barbara & Family:
I'm very sorry to hear about Bill. If you remember, we graduated high school together. We played sports and Bill was my sons high school English Teacher. Our prayers are with you and the family. Bill will be missed.
Lori (Wagner) Colwell
November 9, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Had mr. Tonkin in school for English he was a great teacher and he made class fun and interesting.
Sandy Lebowitz steinberg
November 9, 2014
Barbara and family.. My sincerest condolences on your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers .
C M Kelly
November 8, 2014
Barbara
Remembering all the great times at Lake Ariel with you and your family. So very sorry for the lose of Bill. We pray for you and your family.
Marty & Nancy Kelly
Stacey Petrucelli-Gray
November 8, 2014
Praying for comfort for everyone in the Tonkin family. What an amazing legacy has been left... countless numbers of students have been positively influenced.
Diana deFreitas
November 8, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I knew him as a wonderful colloeague and friend. His memory will always be with me.
My condolances to hisfamily.
MLissa Aquilina
November 8, 2014
Barbara and family,
My deepest sympathy.
My prayers and thoughts go out to all of you.
Robin (Thompson) Bowling
November 8, 2014
You will be missed by multitudes. Thank you for caring so much about your students and friends.
Sharon Savage
November 7, 2014
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Tonkin family. Mr. Tonkin was an outstanding coach throughout my softball years at Scranton Tech. I was always in awe of the time he dedicated to his team along with being one of the best English teachers to have ever taught in the Scranton School District. His beaming personality always brought out the best in every student. Rest in Peace Mr. Tonkin.
Sherry Joyce Savage
Class of 1980
Ann Marie Emmel
November 7, 2014
Dear Barbara and family.
We are so sorry to hear of the death of Bill.I knew him as a student and as a colleague, He was always a fine gentlemen,
we prayed for him when we heard about his illness.
Ann Marie and Bill Emmel
Crystal Ross-Ondrick
November 7, 2014
I am sorry about your loss.
Jeff Sileo
November 7, 2014
Very sorry to hear about Coach Tonkin's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
A stand up guy!
Thornton Carroll
November 7, 2014
The Tonkin family: Please accept my hartfelt condolence on the passing of BILL, youare in my prayers. It was an honor to have known such a great person and I will truly miss BILL at our annual pre thanksgiving get togeather of the Tech High football team. I have known BILL since he came Tech from the catholic school system. BILL was the cleanest guy in the schooland always was dresses in a sport jacket and tie. After collage in Washington,DC I moved to Wilmington, De. I would see BILL when I came to Scranton around town at various functions and events, again BILL was the sharpted dress man and as clean as the board of health. I use to tease BILL and say man you are the leader in style and fashion in this town. Im sure BILL now has that distinction in heaven.
Margie Tomassi Kang
November 7, 2014
I graduated with Billy in 1965 from Scranton Tech. He was always right behind me (Tomassi, Tonkin) in the alphabetical lineup. I am shocked at his passing, far too early. Although our paths crossed perhaps twice after high school, I found him to be a person with high ideals and an amenable personality. After all, he was the only male member of our class who wore a suit jacket, shirt and tie to school every day! He was a role model then, as I am sure he had been to his children and students over the years. I was looking forward to seeing him at our 50th next year. May he rest in peace. Margie Tomassi Kang
Slick Cawley
November 7, 2014
So sorry pal.. GOD must have needed a good man and all around athlete on his team up there!
May HE Bless and keep you under HIS wing.. We shall meet again my friend and when we do, I want a stroke a hole!
Jamie Burrier-Mastroianni
November 7, 2014
Mrs. Tonkin and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. My prayers and condolences to you all.
Lynne
November 7, 2014
Bill was my teacher in '77. His class was my favorite. He was a very cool guy and always made it fun. RIP. Condolences to the family.
Mary Beth (Jenkins) Frisbie
November 7, 2014
So sad to hear of this. Mr Tonkin was a wonderful teacher who encouraged me to write! He will be greatly missed.
Class of 1983
Kelly Tomlinson
November 7, 2014
Mrs. Tonkin, Billy & TJ,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Gina Benjamin Calpin
November 7, 2014
Very sorry for your loss
Joe Pivovarnik
November 7, 2014
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies
Jack Edwartoski
November 7, 2014
Barbara and Family,
It seems like yesterday when you, Bill and I worked at the Giant. It was startling to hear of his passing and thrilling to read all the accolades of the man, the coach and the teacher.
Rest assured of my prayers for all of you in this time of sorrow, and in the assurances of Christ that we will see him again.
Peace and blessing.
Michelle Burke
November 7, 2014
To the family of Mr. Tonkin,
My sincerest condolences to you and many prayers. Mr. Tonkin had taught a great to my class than just english our senior year. He was right with us as we made the change to Scranton High School. He felt it was important that we knew that even though we were the last Tech class, we were a special group of kids. He made learning fun. I did not usually do well in english class but his way of teaching the material I understood and did very well. I will always remember him for his kind heart and always making sure we were always learning and leaving the class taught something new.
Jim Finan
November 7, 2014
Tonkin family,
I've known Bill as a competitor, him Tech, me Dunmore, since the 1960's and we were never really close but we always acknowledged each other and often spoke over a beer at the Waldorf. It's tough watching good people move on, people you knew and respected for many reasons - but, that's life. My sincere condolences to the family and close friends.
November 7, 2014
To the family of WILLIAM H TONKIN JR. I send my sincere condolences.During this difficult time draw close to GOD and he will draw close to you. JAMES 4.8.
sincerely,
JWJC
November 7, 2014
My name is Florence - maiden name Murzynsky. I knew Bill since kindergarten. I moved to Calif. When he was in kindergarten I asked him to marry me. (smile) I knew his mom and Dad and bill was quite a guy! He came to school then dressed in a suit all the time. He lived on Ash Street as a kid. I am so very sorry to know he has now passed - but hope he is in heaven knowing Jesus is the way. I drove from Scranton at age 20 and came to Calif. got a job and married out here.
May God be your comfort - as you now learn to live apart - for a short time - soon to be with him forever.
I applaud you Bill for all your great accomplishments. (My cousin Debbie was married to Fisher... who coached with Bill and my brother in law is Bob Yacovoni in Endwell, N.Y. I will notify them of bill's home going. We all one day with join him in paradise. God bless you all,
Florence (Murzynsky) Puckey 8383 Beethoven Drive, Buena Park, Calif. 90621
Jason Gratkowski
November 6, 2014
Dear Tonkins,
Bill was beyond a wonderful man! He leaves a legacy of greatness! Every encounter I had with Bill was refreshing and unique. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all!
Sylvia & Chris Kolosinsky
November 6, 2014
Dear Barb & Family:
So sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. He was a wonderful man and loved you and his sons so much. May your happy memories console you now and in the days ahead. With heartfelt sympathy,
Jeremy Gratkowski
November 6, 2014
Mrs Tonkin, Bill, and TJ, I was really saddened upon hearing the loss of your husband and father. He was a wonderful man with tremendous spirit. I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your beloved.
Janet DeStefano McDermott
November 6, 2014
Dear Barbara and Family
Our class reunions won't be the same with out Bill. What a first class guy he was. Hope all the good memories will help you all through this difficult time.
Kip Benko
November 6, 2014
Barb, Bill & TJ,
Just wanted to let you all know that our thoughts are with you. We always looked forward to seeing you at the annual Jimmy Buffett pilgrimmage here in Pittsburgh. Although we didn't know Bill as a coach or teacher, we did know him as a great friend. He made our group special and Denise and I feel priliged to have been lucky enough to spend some quality time with the Tonkins under the stars at Star Lake. Thanks for making our lives a little better. You'll be missed.
November 6, 2014
to Barb,William and TJ so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great teacher and a all around good guy. our prayers are with your family. he will be missed. Luanne Tunis Kelly
Susan Miller Pileggi
November 6, 2014
Rest in Peace, Bill. My heart and prayers go out to all your family and friends. You will be missed!!!
JOE GILLETTE
November 6, 2014
HAD MR. TONKIN IN SCRANTON TECH HIGH 1971
GREAT TEACHER HAD A LOT OF FUN IN HIS CLASS HE NEVER CHANGED WHAT A GREAT GUY MR TONKIN IS ONE OF THE FEW TEACHERS THAT WERE LEFT FROM MY TIME AT TECH HIGH SO SAD TO SEE THEM ALL GO BUT THATS WHAT TIME DOES MAY HE REST IN PEACE AND THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GOOD TIMES AT TECH
JESSICA (WALL) KOSTIAK
November 6, 2014
My prayers and thoughts are with you and you family. He was a great and funny man and will always be remembered.
class of 65
class of 93
Rosalynn Cielski
November 6, 2014
Great man, out of the box thinker. I always enjoyed his class, he made me laugh and learn simultaneously. Wishing his soul peace and comfort in the afterlife. My condolences to his family and closest friends. He will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He talked about his wife often in class. I remember he telling us that his wife made his eggs just perfect for breakfast....
Catherine Kearney
November 6, 2014
Thoughts and Prayers to all the Family
Truly one of my favorite Teachers Will truly be missed
Renee Garvey
November 6, 2014
Mr. Tonkin went beyond the call of duty for his students in and out of the classroom at Scranton Technical High School. As an educator myself, I now realize the countless hours he dedicated to make high school a positive/memorable experience for his students. Mr. Tonkin was an exceptionally personable guy and continued to impress me over the years by remembering all of his former students "by name." Whenever I had the privilege of running into him, he took the time to genuinely ask how I was doing.
There are thousands of people who learned from Mr. Tonkin in order to graduate from high school. However, our ultimate destination is to graduate from life. Mr. Tonkin also taught us how to graduate from earth with honors by the way he lived. He will be deeply missed. Hope and pray his family and friends take comfort in knowing that there will be a "reunion" in heaven.
God Bless
Renee Garvey
Scranton Technical High School
Class of 1981
William O'Hearn
November 6, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Theresa Sensi
November 6, 2014
Barbra , William & TJ I am very sorry for your loss, Bill will truly be missed in the neighborhood. My Prayers are with all of you in this time of sorrow.
Theresa, Mark and Daniel Sensi
VNA Hospice Staff and Volunteers
November 6, 2014
Heartfelt condolences to the Tonkin family for their recent loss. May cherished memories of William bring peace, comfort and a smile in the days ahead.
Tommy Lin
November 6, 2014
He was a stand up guy, a great teacher and coach. The years of being around taught me to be a bette person. He was always that father figure with his charisma and passion for life and sports. He leaves a legacy, a huge
legacy behind. He will be missed dearly
Diane Dallolio
November 6, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to the Tonkin family. The world lost a wonderful man, father, teacher, coach and friend. You had a long difficult battle and we hope you are resting peacefully now and forever. <3 xoxo
Karla Ahlborn
November 6, 2014
Mr. Tonkin was one of the best teachers I had. My deepest sympathy to his family. He was simply a great guy and wonderful teacher.
Theresa Pushinaitis
November 6, 2014
My Prayers go out to the Tonkin family in their loss, Mr. Tonkin was a fantastic teacher who loved his students he will be missed very much may he rest in peace. Class of 1990
Tom Galella
November 6, 2014
May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead... May God Bless Bill and his entire family at this most difficult time.
Mike Kleha
November 6, 2014
Very sorry for the loss of a surrogate family member. Coach Tonkin played a major influence during my formative years and was a peerless role model for helping shape my attitude, behavior and outlook as it related, not only to athletics, but also about adult life. After leaving the area long ago, I was fortunate to have had several re-contacts with Bill over the last couple years. He will always be remembered very fondly in my eyes. My condolences to his family.
Carol Starkey
November 6, 2014
My prayers and sympathies to the Tonkin family. May Mr. Tonkin Rest in Peace. From, Carol Starkey, Tech Class of '89.
November 6, 2014
I enjoyed watching your '88 team. Rest in peace, Coach
Kathy Miller-Harris
November 6, 2014
Rest easy Mr. Tonkin. I will never forget all of the lessons you taught in English class at SHS, some totally unrelated to school work. You made learning interesting and fun. I will never forget your curly long hair, leather jacket, cowboy boots, or smile/laugh. I will never forget the person you were. My heartfelt condolences to your family.
Louise Kurpis
November 6, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Tonkin family. Love and prayers for you all.
Louise Kurpis
Teacher, Scranton School District
Rose Mary Wesley
November 6, 2014
To the Tonkin Family,
I will always remember Mr. Tonkin as a great man and wonderful teacher. His lessons will live on in the heart of all the children he taught and coached. Please accpet my deepest sympathy at this sad sad time.
David Walters
November 6, 2014
Bill was a friend of mine, we were one year apart at Tech...always admired him for what he did for the kids and the school...I will miss him!!
Mary Thomas
November 6, 2014
What a wonderful man, great teacher. Anyone privileged enough to have known him is better for it. My sympathies to his family.
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