Raymond Michael Tokarz

WEST POINT - Raymond Michael Tokarz, 93, of West Point, VA died February 9, 2015 in Richmond, VA. He was a native of Port Richmond, VA, and the son of the late Joseph Thomas Tokarz and Julia Ryczak Tokarz. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years Harriet Hammer Tokarz and six brothers Leon, Stanley Edmund, John, Clemence and Joseph. He attended Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament School, West Point High School and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1943 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He entered the Army as a 1st Lieutenant in the 216 Army Engineers attached to the 16th Armored Division, where he served in the European Theater during World War II. After his military service, Ray was employed by Chesapeake Corporation where he retired after 38 years of service in engineering and corporate management. Raymond was active in many community projects. He was involved in the construction of the first Armory and Recreation Building in West Point and served as chairman for several years. He also served on West Point Town Council and the Port Richmond Improvement Association. Ray was a member of the Society of Professional Engineers of Virginia, The Polish Society of Virginia, 16th Armored Division Association and The Virginia Tech Alumni Association. Raymond was also a member of the American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis and Chamber of Commerce where he served on the Board of Directors. Raymond is survived by a daughter Andrea T. Mason of Tampa, FL; a son Michael Allen Tokarz of Richmond; two granddaughters Sarah Finley Mason of Denver, Co and Katherine Elizabeth Mason of Chicago, IL; and two brothers Pete and Thomas Tokarz both of Richmond. A funeral mass was held 10 a.m. Saturday, February 14th at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 3570 King William Avenue, West Point, VA 23181. Interment followed in St. Theresa Cemetery. Memorials may be made to West Point Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Inc., Box X, West Point, VA 23181 or the Capitol Building Fund of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 207 W. Euclid Blvd, West Point, VA 23181. Vincent Funeral Home handled arrangements. Tributes may be posted at www.vincentfh.com