Obituary of Thomas A. Tokaryk

Thomas “Tom” Tokaryk, also affectionally known as Pa, 75, of Sylvan Beach, NY passed away peacefully on Friday, November 8, 2024. He was born April 6, 1949, in Syracuse, NY to his parents, John and Genevieve Tokaryk. He grew up in Camillus and graduated from West Genesee High School, and Auburn Community College. He married his sweetheart, Susan (Hurley) Tokaryk, and spent 54 wonderful years loving her.

He worked for United Gunite, allowing him to travel throughout the northeast where he made many friends. He then retired in 2015 from Onondaga County Water Environment Protection with over 20 years employment and continued to work in many more construction projects. He was an Army Veteran and from 2023 to 2024, served as Commander at the American Legion 1153 in Sylvan Beach. He was a jack of all trades, building a home for his family, not only with his hands but his heart. He continued in real estate by renovating and renting properties in Tipperary Hill. One of Tom’s most enjoyable passions was riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycles with the “Ditch Riders” which included his Son-in-Laws, Mike and Billy, his sister Terry, Brother-in-Laws, Danny and Bob as well as with the American Legion Riders.   He was proud of his Polish and Ukrainian heritage and traditions and was an honorary Irishman. He was bestowed as The City of Syracuse Guinness Ambassador in 2017.  He participated in the Annual Syracuse St. Patrick’s Day Parade by driving the “Save the Rain” float for Onondaga County.   He also enjoyed the art of wine making, a tradition he carried on from his Uncle Steve.   His greatest joy came from spending time with his wife, children, and especially his grandchildren, who were his greatest gifts. His happiest times were at home on Oneida Lake. included swimming and relaxing on the sand bar, boating, watching his grandchildren ice skate, and enjoying many sunsets before the nightly campfires. He truly believed “Family is the most important thing to have in life”. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan, his children, Melanie (Michael) Sheridan, Meggan (Ray) Hahn, Melissa (Billy) Krist, and TJ (Donna) Tokaryk, his grandchildren, Ashley (Aaron) Gardenier, Greta Rose Hahn, Max Hahn, Sarah Mae Sheridan, Katie Girl (David) Tokaryk, Patrick Sheridan, and Emma Lily Tokaryk, sisters, Debbie (Danny) Walker and Terry Amerman, many sister and brother-in laws, cousins, nieces and nephews and friends who became family.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 12:30pm at Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 4 to 7pm at the Edward J. Ryan & Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Thomas Tokaryk to St. Baldricks (www.stbaldricks.org), which he proudly participated in as a Shavee, for many years with his grandson, Patrick.