Robert W. Tomsho

Robert W. Tomsho
83, of Canton, was surrounded by his family when he passed away on March 12, 2012, following a long illness. Born on April 10, 1928, Bob was the devoted son of the late Mary and John Tomsho. A proud 1946 graduate of Timken Vocational High School, he earned multiple varsity letters as starting center for the Trojan football squad and catcher for the baseball team. The U.S. Army veteran served in Europe with the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment during the early years of the Cold War. As a carpenter and homebuilder, he was the consummate craftsman and professional, starting each workday in a pair of crisp, white coveralls that seldom remained so for long. Whether working with a truckload of lumber or a delicate carving, he treated wood with love, respect and boundless creativity. A perfectionist, Bob did not cut corners. He met Marilyn Grove, who would become the love of his life, at Timken, writing in one of her yearbooks: 'May our friendship be everlasting.' It was. They married on Sept. 22, 1952. Working nights and weekends, Bob built the 21st Street home where they lived for half a century. He sent his wife anniversary carnations every year, through good times and bad. Together, they enjoyed playing cards, visiting family and stepping onto the dance floor, whether the tune was a polka or a waltz. When Bob's health declined in recent years, Marilyn devoted herself to his comfort and care. Bob was a soft-spoken father who lacked talent or enthusiasm as a disciplinarian. As modest as he was generous, Bob played games with his children, painted cartoons on their bedroom walls and relished slipping them a few bucks on the sly. For Bob, bliss was steering his small boat across Wingfoot Lake at dawn, eternally confident that the bluegill were biting. Among family and friends, his filleting skills were as legendary as his fried fish. He loved watching football, carving small keepsakes and eating good food, Slovak whenever possible. Decades of ribbing and razzing with his brothers reflected deep, loving and joyful bonds. In recent years, the unpredictable wisecracks of his only surviving brother, Dan, were a welcome source of strength and delight.
In addition to Marilyn, his wife of nearly 60 years, Bob will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughter, Pat (Dan Germain) of Austin, Texas; son, John (Carol Tomsho) of Delaware, Ohio; and son, Rob (Lesley Becker) of Hingham, Mass. His life was also brightened by six grandchildren, Zac, Ali and Katie Tomsho and Christopher, Lauren and Patrick Germain. Bob is also survived by nine nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Donald. The family would like to thank the staff of the St. Luke Lutheran Community in North Canton for their fine care and many acts of love and kindness.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, March 15, 2012 in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Pastor Diana Thompson officiating. A private interment will be in Sunset Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends following the service in church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4120 Cleveland Ave. N.W., Canton, OH 44709 or another charity of the donor's choice. You may sign our guest book at: www.shriverfuneralhomes.com
Shriver Funeral Homes
& Cremation Service
330-455-0349
www.shriverfuneralhomes.com