Neal E. Tokowitz

Neal Edward Tokowitz of Waddell, AZ and Wapiti, WY passed away peacefully on April 23, 2021 after a courageous battle with leukemia, one day after celebrating his 78th birthday. Born in Chicago on April 22, 1943 to Louis and Mildred Tokowitz (deceased) and raised within a family with deep and proud Chicagoan roots, Neal was a proud alumnus of Evanston Township High School and DePaul University where he received his Collegiate and Law School degrees. He valiantly served his country with honor as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army and then upon discharge, remained engaged within the US Army Reserve. His sense of civic responsibility saw Neal serve the public as a member of the Illinois Bar and as a Sheriff for Illinois' Cook County.

Neal was a loving husband to Carol (nee Hoffman), cherished brother to Fred E. Tokowitz, beloved and supportive father to Kenneth and step-sons Bart Halper and Bradlee Hoffman, much adored grandfather, and devoted cousin to Adrienne Momi, Randy (Nancy) Green, Jodi (Gary) Bushkin, Allison Marks and Seth Fisher amongst many others.

Neal's devotion to his family was the foundation of his actions; the anchor that defined and shaped his life. He was truly a good friend to so many; one to be counted on and depended upon. Some say that Neal may have had a bit of a rough exterior, but his brother Fred will let you know that behind that façade was a caring heart and a genuine concern for others. It was indeed this caring and concern that allowed the two brothers to share these most precious of times alone together during this last week.

Whether you needed simple advice, an empathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on, companionable silence, a listener if you will; if all you wanted was to pass the time, Neal was your man. As his son Kenny will tell you, "Dad was always ready for the next 'big' adventure… steadfast, willing and good fun." An animal rights activist, Neal philanthropically supported many of these and other ecological causes.

Rest in peace, Papa Bull. Due to our country's current restrictions, services were held privately in Arizona.