Robert N. Tomko

Robert Nicholas Tomko, 95, passed away on December 20, leaving behind a lifetime of love. Known to those who loved him as Bob or Pop Pop, he was born in Wallingford, Connecticut, to Stephen and Barbara (Lehocki) Tomko and was the youngest of five children. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Mary (Tomko) Gavette, Joseph Tomko, Margaret (Tomko) Boisvert, and Stephen Tomko. Pop Pop carried a deep pride in his Hungarian heritage and was famous for telling wonderful stories about his childhood in Wallingford.
Music lived in Pop Pop. With an uncanny ear, he could pick up nearly any instrument, sang Hungarian lullabies to his grandchildren, and rarely missed a concert at Ashlar Village. A loyal sports fan, he always rooted for the underdog unless the UConn Women's Basketball team was playing, in which case loyalty was non-negotiable.
Pop Pop showed up in the quiet, meaningful ways - from standing by the boards at his grandsons' hockey games and offering gentle coaching, watching the planes land with each grandchild at the Meriden Airport, to listening closely and asking thoughtful questions that made everyone feel seen. He will forever be remembered for his relentless sweet tooth, the "magic" (peppermint patties) in his refrigerator, dog treats always in his pocket, and his remarkable ability to make both people and pups feel especially loved.
Pop Pop will be deeply missed by beloved wife Joan (Farnam) Tomko, who he loved with a steady and selfless devotion for more than 60 years, his children Jeane (Jim) Bowman of Parkville, MO; John "Jack" (Christy) Tomko of Cheshire, CT; Lynn (John) Siebert of Meriden, CT; and Brian (Megan) Tomko of Collegeville, PA; along with his ten grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and all of his grand-animals.
All are welcome to join the family for a celebration of Bob's life which will be held on December 27th at 1:00 PM at the Masonicare Knapp Auditorium at Ashlar Village 74 Cheshire Road, Wallingford CT 06492. Immediately following the service, a social hour will be hosted by the Tomko family.
Directions: FROM MAIN ENTRANCE off Cheshire Road, proceed on Ashlar Village Drive to the second stop sign, turn left and immediately turn right into the visitors parking area. Enter through the main doorway (by the flagpole).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either of the following charities:
• Perfect Imperfections Dog Rescue and Sanctuary which does amazing work for disabled dogs helping them rehab and find long term homes www.perfectimperfectionsrescue.org • Masonicare Scholarship Fund which supports young Ashlar Village employees as they advance their education (Checks welcomed via Masonicare Scholarship Fund 74 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford CT 06492).
We were lucky to know him, lucky to be loved by him, and now carry the honor of continuing his legacy - one kind word, kind act, favorite joke, or dog treat at a time. His magic will be missed deeply and remembered always.
Funeral services will be private. Interment will be in St John Cemetery, Wallingford. Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home 809 North Main Street Ext. Wallingford. For online condolences visit www.wallingfordfh.com