Thomas Edward Towchik

MCPO Thomas Edward Towchik, U.S. Navy retired, 76 of Virginia Beach passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Preceded in death by his parents Mary Ann and Tony Towchik of Muse, PA. Father of Sharron (LeBarron) Williams and the late Mary Margaret Towchik. Grandfather of LeBarron II and Aaron Williams. Brother of Anthony (Carmen) Towchik of Canonsburg, PA, Joanne (Frank) Mazzotta of Canonsburg, PA, and Louis (late Beth Dubyak) Towchik of Pittsburgh, PA. Survived by many nieces and nephews. A 1966 graduate of Canon-McMillan High School in Canonsburg, Tommy was the first in his family to attend college before turning his attention to military service where he devoted much of his life. He traveled the world with the US Navy on several fast frigates, demonstrated his love for the Navy as he attracted others to the naval service as a recruiter, and leveraged his deep knowledge to train others before retiring with the highest non-commissioned officer rank of Fire Control Technician Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) in 1992 after 23 years of active service. Even after so much experience seeing large parts of the world, he could not bring himself to move too far from his ultimate place of secure comfort - the world's largest naval station in Norfolk, VA - and thus settled in Virginia Beach for the rest of his life. Tommy then started and ran a successful insurance business for many years before finally settling into full retirement in Virginia Beach with the last of his many beloved dogs, Maya. An avid sportsman of all types in his youth, Tommy especially enjoyed playing soccer with the local club team, loved hunting in the woods with his beloved beagles near his boyhood home in Muse, and venturing out to French Creek with his father and older brother to camp and fish. He never lost his love for the pure relaxation offered by fishing or for the faithful companionship of his pet dogs. For decades, he could often be seen in his bright red pickup truck towing his bass boat out for another session of fun and tranquility on the many lakes and ponds near his Virginia Beach home. Burial arrangements are private. Think of his love for the outdoors and for his many beloved dogs throughout his life should you want to honor him with a memorial donation. Rest in Peace Tommy. Thank you for your service. We love you.