Donald Tomko

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Donald J. Tomko, 49, passed away on October 4, 2011 after a valiantly lived life.
He was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey on July 7, 1962 to J. Donald and Joy S. Tomko and lived most of his life in Cuyahoga Falls. He had a happy childhood, full of pick-up ball games, camping trips, family vacations, youth activities at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, and travel. His family spent a year living in Belgium, giving him stories to tell forever after of their adventures and exploration of Europe. He was an enthusiastic Boy Scout who loved to hike, including the mountains at Philmont Ranch, Arizona. He graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1980 and earned two business degrees from the University of Akron, accompanied by his guide dog Phoebe. He went on to teach computer technology at the Akron Blind Center, while working as an activist for the rights of disabled persons, serving on several community boards and speaking to hundreds of grade school classes and groups. He later worked as a Customer Relations Specialist at Sterling Jewelers, retiring from there in 2005. Don had a hard life because of medical issues, but it was a rich, full one. He relied on God, cherished his family, and valued his friendships.

We know that on his arrival in heaven he was greeted by loved ones; grandparents, John and Anna Tomko and John and Chloella Sivulich, and great grandparents, Peter and Irene Chesko, and Phoebe. He leaves behind his wife, Keena; daughters Anna and Libby; parents J. Donald and Joy S. Tomko; brother David (Cheryl); sister Julie Brecht; former brother-in-law Terry Brecht; nieces Brynn, Skyler, and Calli Tomko and Chloe Brecht; and nephew Chase Brecht.

Friends may call at the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 6th. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 7th at the First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls, 245 Portage Trail at 11:00 am , Dr. David Baker officiating. Interment will be in Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made in his name to the First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls or the Akron Blind Center, 325 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44304. Mr. Tomko's video tribute is viewable by clicking on this link: http://videos.lifetributes.com/MediaViewer2.0/MovieViewer.aspx?id=251059 Arrangements handled by Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 330-928-2147.