Francis “Frank” S. Tokash, 83, of Avoca, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020 at the Allied Hospice Unit, Scranton. He was born in Dupont on December 26, 1936 and was the son of the late Frank and Irene (Podedworny) Tokash.
Frank was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Dupont. He was a graduate of Dupont High School. After high school, he joined the US Army and served actively for six years while stationed in Korea and Germany. Upon discharge, he re-enlisted and served with the PA National guard for 26 years. Frank retired from the Tobyhanna Army Depot after 35 years of employment.
Prior to its closing, Frank was a member of SS Peter and Paul Church, Avoca and was active with St. Cecilia’s Choir. He was an avid bowler and a life-long fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Phillies. Frank enjoyed spending time at the Pittston City Senior Center, where he engaged in singing and polka dancing. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his loving family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Delphine “Irene” Fila Tokash, who died January 21, 2014 and his brother Edward Tokash.
Frank is survived by his children, Frank and his wife Debbie, of Dupont, Beverly and her husband Francisco Peters, of Duryea, Denise Tokash Hague and her husband William Hague, of Annapolis, MD, Lisa Oliveri of Annapolis, MD and George Tokash and his wife Mary Jane, of Hamden, CT. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Frank’s family would like to thank the staff of Allied Skilled nursing and Allied Hospice Unit for their kindness, compassion, and excellent care.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 10:00am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 215 Lackawanna Ave., Dupont with Fr. Thomas Petro officiating. Interment will be held at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, Avoca. AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston will provide military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston, 401 Main St., Dupont, PA 18641.
Arrangements are made by Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea.
I'm sorry to hear Frank has passed. "Smokin' Joe" became a very good friend of mine when I met him while a member of the National Guard in West Pittston. Frank was a big part of the NCO club activities, especially the pool tournaments we held for a few years during the winter months.
Frank was one of the best guys I ever met while in uniform and I wish I was able to make the funeral services, but I recently had spinal surgery that isn't working out too well.
Frank, you will be missed!