Gena Tokar

Gena Tokar, 66, of Charleroi, passed away on Monday, March 24, at Geauga Medical Center in Chardon Ohio after battling illness for many years. The daughter of Eugene (Gene) and Patti Bell Tokar, who predecease her, she graduated from Charleroi Area High School, Class of 1976, and attended Robert Morris College. She was employed by the Authority of the Borough of Charleroi for many years, then left to work at Verizon, where she remained until she became disabled.
Gena survived multiple cancers, and surgery following one led to lymphedema, which ultimately contributed to her death. She was a very vocal advocate for the condition, spending much of her time while on disability contacting senators and congressmen to get it recognized as a disease. Her goal was to help all with it to have resources and treatment readily available for help, something she could not find.
Gena loved all things Pittsburgh and was an avid sports fan. She went to as many Pirate and Steeler games as she could, beginning when she was a very young girl attending with her dad Gene, and was a long time season ticket holder for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Gena's passion in life was music. A talented musician herself, she played guitar and piano. She loved live performances, especially Bruce Springsteen concerts, and was actively involved in the local music scene, supporting bands such as Joe Grushecky and the House Rockers, The Clarks, Bill Toms and Hard Rain, and Bill Deasy. She had most of them on speed dial, and it was appropriate that news of her death spread after being posted on Joe's message board.
She is survived by one sister, Trisha Tokar, of Tucson Arizona, many dear cousins and friends, and her music community. A special thanks goes out to Bill Deasy, who performed a beautiful bedside concert for her, allowing her to attend one more live event. Gena's last wish was to be buried near her parents, and her family and friends are trying to make that happen for her. In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe has been established to help with the cost. Memorial donations may be made to https://gofund.me/cc9fee48 or to Joanne Wiltz, BOAR, 1200 McKean Ave. Suite 108, Charleroi, PA 15022. Burial service will be private.
Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, Ohio 440-361-2273 assisted the family with arrangements. www.LakeErieCrematory.com