Obituary of George Paul Tomka

George Paul Tomka, age 71, of Bethel, passed away suddenly after a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy on Wednesday October 25, 2017 at Danbury Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family.  George was born January 19, 1946 in New York City, a son to the late Steve and Betty (Durec) Tomka. He was the loving husband of Patricia (Palmeri) Tomka.

George was a proud graduate of New York City public schools and dedicated his entire professional life to public education. He attended City College where he earned his BA in Physical Education. Later he received graduate degrees in Education from Hunter College and Columbia University. George served the students, families and educators of PS 115 in Washington Heights for over 35 years, first as a teacher and later as the Principal.  Well respected and loved by his students, staff and community he was known for transforming PS 115 into a model school in the district.

George will be remembered for his engaging smile, larger-than-life personality and his great sense of humor. George’s first and lasting love was his his beloved wife of 50 years, Pat.  Together they saw life as an adventure and enjoyed going to the beach, casinos, and traveling -especially their annual trips to St. Maarten and Narragansett vacations with their grandchildren. George loved and was often seen walking around his neighborhood, he loved his local library and was an avid reader.  A dedicated father and grandfather, known as Pop, he loved spending time with his family and enjoyed a very special relationship with his son, and best friend, Jimmy.

In addition to his wife Patricia, George will be missed by his children: James Tomka and Christina Salvestrini and her husband Matthew -all of Bethel;  grandchildren: Luke, Sam and Max Salvestrini whom he loved dearly and enjoyed their silly antics until his final days.  He is also survived by a brother: Steven Tomka of New York; a sister-in-law Donna Burger and her husband Larry of Florida and many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank the Bethel VNA, as well as all of his devoted caregivers for their professional and compassionate care throughout his extended illness. 

Funeral Services will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 119 Junction Rd., Brookfield on Tuesday October 31, 2017 at 11:00am.  The family will receive friends on Monday October 30, 2017 at Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White St., Danbury from 4:00 - 8:00pm.

Memorial Contributions may be made in George's name to  Bethel Visiting Nurse Association, 70 Stony Hill Rd., Bethel, CT 06801, WeCAHR, 325 Main St. Danbury, CT 06810 or Cure PSP, www.curepsp.org