Ellis J. Tonik, 94, of Frederick, died May 2, 2015. He was the loving husband of Patricia Tonik, who preceded him in death after 59 years of marriage. He is survived by a devoted and caring daughter, Valissa Tonik; and a son, Leigh (Tony); in addition to his loving wife, he was predeceased by a son, David and grandson Charles Jacob Tonik.

Born Jan. 9, 1921 in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Dr. Charles and Sadie Tonik. Ellis attended Temple University High School, Roanoke College, University of Maryland, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Penn State University, Frederick Community College, and Dundalk Community College. He did research at the University of Wisconsin Department of Biochemistry, and studued at the Center for Disease Control.

Mr. Tonik was employed by the State of Illinois as a Medical Microbiologist, then Chief of Microbiology at two state hospitals. At Fort Detrick he was a researcher in Microbiology, then Senior Investigator, and then Senior Scientist-Administrator with Top Secret security clearance in charge of a research group, with a status as a civilian equal in rank to Lieutenant Colonel. He was a member of the research team that studied the infectivity and pathogenicity of Anthrax, Botulinum Toxin, Plague, Tularemia, Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, Q-Fever, and others. He took an active technical role in Operation White Coat, and presented a research report on Coxiella Burnetti to the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board, Commission on Rickettsial Diseases. He was published in scientific journals that had world-wide circulation, and some of his publications appear "on the web" (quotations are Mr. Tonik's). Additionally, he served as Chief of Microbiology and Chief of Laboroatories at two Veterans Administration hospitals. He retired from Federal service January 1, 1980, after receiving numerous commendations for outstanding performance as a researcher and for his service as an employee of the Federal Government.

Mr. Tonik was elected into Sigma Xi (the prestigious and exclusive Scientific Research Society of America), a member of The American Society for Microbiology, listed in American Men and Women of Science and Who's Who in the East. He was a member of the United States Cavalry Association (served in the 104th Cavalry Regiment, Mounted, 22nd Cavalry Division), the Eighth Air Force Historical Society, The Second Air Division Association of the Eighth Air Force, and the 491st Bomb Group Association, and was a founding member of the American Air Museum in Britain.

During WWII, Mr. Tonik participated in assaults on Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe and Air Offensive Europe battles and campaigns and received silver and bronze battle stars. In June 2001 nhe was awarded The Jubilee of Liberty Medal from the French government and a Congressional Citation for D-Day – Normandy participation which was awarded by Congressman Roscoe G. Bartlett and Lieutenant General James F. Fretterd. Mr. Tonik was an Honoree at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.

Mr. Tonik was a former member of the Maryland State High Power Service Rifle Team, participating in the National Matches in Camp Perry, OH and other major matches as an Expert Class marksman, bordering on Master Class. He also shot Expert Class in smallbore rifle matches. He published an article dealing with precision rifle shooting in the American Rifleman (a publication of the National Rifle Association), and he was a U.S. Army Certified Rifle Marksmanship Instructor. He also enjoyed photography, horses and riding, and participating in equitation and jumping competitions.

At Mr. Tonik's request, there will be no services. He will be inurned at Resthaven Memorial Gardens with his beloved wife, Patricia. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Hospice of Frederick County for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Frederick County, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702.