Obituary of Thomas Tomkunas

Thomas A. Tomkunas, of Manchester, CT passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on November 15, 2022. 

Born on February 12, 1938, in Hartford, CT, Thomas was the third child to his parents Alexander and Anna (Kiskunes) Tomkunas, who predeceased him.  He was also predeceased by his four best friends, sisters-in-law Bonnie, Alice, Alberta and Helen Warrington. 

Tom was a graduate of Manchester High School.  He was dedicated to his long career with the United States Postal Service, where he rose through the ranks receiving much recognition for his management, quality of work and innovations until officially retiring as Postmaster.  Tom was a 52-year volunteer member of the Manchester Fire Dept.  He was Captain of Company No. 1, and after retiring from the postal service, he took on a second career becoming the 19^th Chief of the Manchester Fire Dept.  In this role under his supervision and planning, a new fire department headquarters was built in 1998.  He loved the comradery and commitment to public service.  To this very day, the annual Fire Dept Christmas Tree Sales, which he established still continues today. 

Tom always enjoyed fishing and car racing from an early age. He was basketball coach for St Bridget Jr High School and an avid fan of the Red Sox, NE Patriots and UConn basketball.  He loved spending time at the Crystal Lake cottage in Ellington, CT.  It is a gathering place for family and friends. He loved chatting with the neighbors, but particularly Brian, who always encouraged Tom to take a ride in his hotrod.  Above all, nothing was more important than his entire family and his faith. Tom was a communicant of the St Bridget Church parish family. 

Tom leaves behind his devoted wife of 60 years Patricia (Warrington) and his four beloved children.  Daughter Mary and her husband Michael Sponzo of West Hartford; daughter Patricia and her husband Peter Borjestedt of Manchester; son Michael and his wife Deborah of Coventry; and son Joseph and his wife Julie of South Windsor; his nephew John Warrington and his wife Melanie and their children Matthew and Emily; devoted family friends Linus and Kate Deasy.  He took great pride and much joy in all his grandchildren Linnea, Markus, Michael, Benjamin, Hogan, Zoe, Cameron, Josie, and great granddaughter Blakely; his sister Barbara Klingel of East Hartford; brother Alex (“Bud”) and wife Pat of Ponte Vedra FL; and brother Raymond Tomkunas of Ellington.  Many nieces, nephews, extended family, and numerous friends.  Wherever Tom ventured, there was always someone he knew. 

Tom’s family would like to give special thanks to Dr Kathleen Kennedy for her devoted care of his kind and gentle heart over the past 35 years. To the Manchester Fire Dept EMTs and Town of Manchester Fire Dept Paramedics for their dedicated service. To the staff of Glastonbury Health and Rehab Center for their kindness and compassion provided in this most recent difficult time.  

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family for visiting hours on Sunday, Nov 20^th from 3pm to 7pm at Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester CT.  Monday, Nov 21^st a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am from St Bridget Roman Catholic Church, 80 Main St, Manchester CT.   Memorial contributions may be made to St Bridget School Endowment, 74 Main St, Manchester, CT 06042. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.

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