John W. Tokos

John W. Tokos, of Johnson City     

 The world lost a legend and heaven gained an amazing man.  On Wednesday, September 24, 2014, John W. Tokos passed peacefully surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.  Our hearts are broken, but his spirit remains with us.  He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Theresa (Valachovic) Tokos, whom he referred to as "Tokey".  One of his favorite songs to sing to her was "Let Me Call You Sweetheart".  John told Theresa he loved her everyday, he held her hand or shared a kiss, right to his final passing.  It was a true love story; they were married for 61 years.  He was blessed with nine children and their spouses, whom he adored.  He was our hero.  As kids he would tell us, "I'm rough and tough, hard to bluff and doggone good-lookin."  We all have his sense of humor, his love of food, but most importantly, his love of family.  He will be missed by John & Kathy Tokos, Joe & Donna Tokos, Judy & Tim Bebel, Jeanne Yeager, Jimmy Tokos, Joanie & Keith Klein, Theresa & Tim Brozovic, Tina & Mike Guley and Tom Tokos.  His pride and joy were his grandchildren, who idolized him.  They all have many memories to cherish.  Kate & Mike Vavra, Molly & Justin DuBrava, John 'Mick' & Kathryn Tokos, Jocelyn (Mike Whittemore) Tokos, Erin & Chad Lampman, Joe & Heather Tokos, Justin Reynolds, Alisha & Corey Hill, Aubrey & Rob Delany, Billy & Emily Yeager, Zac & Erica Tokos, Carly (AJ Hackel) Tokos, Danny & Megan Klein, Steve (Taylor Mihok) Guley, Matthew & Ryan Brozovic and Maci Jude Tokos and her mom, Holly.  Dad and Judy will be doing a heavenly dance at Alisha and Corey's wedding.  John was also gifted with great-grandchildren who will miss him; Vincent, Jack, Caleb, Sadie, Michael, Penelope, Sydney, Madison, Ella, Tommy, Claire, and Tobin and his mom, Mary.  Also surviving John are his brother and sister-in-law, Jerry & Sylvia Tokos; his sister, Patricia Charpinsky; his brother-in-law, Albert Kaminsky; sister-in-law, Mary Pufky; many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Dad is also survived by many 'adopted' kids, now adults, who looked up to him like their own dad.  

John (Yonk) was predeceased by his parents, John & Elizabeth; his sister, Margaret Kaminsky; his brother, Frank Tokos; and his daughter, Judy Reynolds. John was a 30-year employee of I.B.M. Corp. Endicott.  For many years, he cooked at his parish home, St. Ann's Church, now the Church of the Holy Trinity, where he prepared many meals for bereavements, shut-in dinners and his friends in the Holy Name Society.  He also ran a monthly bus trip to the casino, where he and mom had many friends, including very close friends, Harry & Marge Feldmanis.  John was loved by everyone, and he loved so much.  Besides his family, his church and faith were first.  He loved fishing, hunting, his garden and the New York Yankees.  As a family, we attended a Yankees game just one month ago.  He had the most unforgettable blue eyes. 

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at 10:30 AM at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 346 Prospect St., Binghamton, where a Funeral Mass will be offered.  Family will receive friends on Monday, September 29, 2014, at the Church of the Holy Trinity, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM.  Dad always said to everyone, “Don’t forget what I told you”, and rest assured, we won’t!

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY  13790.

Arrangements by Bednarsky Funeral Home, Inc.

 Service Information