Robert L. Tonks

1955 - 2017

Robert L. Tonks, 62, of Georgetown, Beaver County, died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 18, 2017, on his way to work at Shadyside Nursing and Rehab, where he worked as a registered nurse. He was born on March 3, 1955, in New Kensington, to George R. Tonks and Marjorie J. Brewer Tonks of Lower Burrell. Rob was preceded in death by his father, George R. Tonks; and his first grandson, Jacob Thurston Johnson; along with several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Bebe Williams Tonks; two daughters, Alicia Erin (Kyle Johnson) Tonks, of Georgetown and Noelle (Daniel) Nuzzo, of Ellwood City; three grandchildren, Max, Colt and Duke; two brothers, Ron (Patti) Tonks, of Greensburg and Randy (Tammy) Tonks, of Lower Burrell. Rob's family relied on him and appreciated his many talens. Rob had a passion for sailing and had recently bought his first sailboat and was really looking forward to taking his family sailing. He was a dedicated member of the National Ski Patrol System at Boyce Park for 30 years. He was a member of Mill Creek Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Hookstown. Other hobbies included scuba diving, waterskiing, riding his motorcycle, kayaking, woodworking and horseback riding. He will also always be remembered for his cooking skills, especially making chilli and spaghetti sauce. He also enjoyed watching sports games with his buddies. Rob graduated from Geneva College with a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry. He then went back to school in his early 50s and obtained a bachelor's degree in nursing from Robert Morris University.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at THE RUSIEWICZ OF LOWER BURRELL FUNERAL HOME, 3124 Leechburg Road, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2017, in Mill Creek Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Hookstown, 5005 PA-151, 15050.
The family suggests donations made in his name to: Geneva College or the American Heart Association. www.RusiewiczFH.com.