Obituary of George A. Tosko

George Arthur Tosko, Jr. passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at his home in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, surrounded by his family.  George was born in Cleveland, OH on December 23, 1932.  His parents are George A. Tosko, Sr. and Lillian Marie Cerny Tosko. George graduated from Holy Name High School and attended The Ohio State University in 1951.  He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, 1950-1953.  George was a proud veteran and spoke fondly of his tour in the Navy.  He was especially proud of his son, Paul, who also served in the Navy and retired as a Chief Petty Officer.  George was able to pin on Paul’s Chief collar devices during his pinning ceremony. George worked at B. F. Goodrich Research Center in Brecksville, OH for 43 years and retired as a Supervisor of Chemical Engineering Services. He was accomplished in everything mechanical and it shows in the work he did around his home.  He also passed on his strong work ethic to his children and grandchildren.  His love of learning and mechanical systems inspired his son, Mike, to pursue a career in technology. George’s second love, next to his wife and family, was the Northampton Fire Department where he served from 1967 to 1986.  George was instrumental in starting the emergency medical squad, one of the first in the area.  He retired from the Northampton Fire Department as Assistant Chief.  He was able to participate in his son, John’s, ceremony, as he was promoted to Chief of the Kent Fire Department and daughter Suzanne’s graduation from nursing school.  Suzanne and the staff of Crossroads Hospice provided loving care.  Of course his first love was to his wife, Mary, and their four children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He is survived by Mary, his wife of 57 years.  Also surviving are his children Michael (Beth) of Hilliard, OH; John (Julie) of Kent, OH; Suzanne Tosko Hamrick of Stow, OH and Paul (Debra) of Adams, NE.  He is survived by his brother Thomas (Virginia) of Aiken, SC.  Also surviving are grandchildren Jessica, Cassandra, Marshall, Katie, Amanda, Randall, Alex, Anna, Sarah, and Emilee.  Surviving great-grandchildren are Lincoln, Asher, and Marsden. In retirement, George enjoyed beekeeping and sharing his love for the hobby with local children.  He produced gallons of the sweetest honey and shared it with his friends and family. Friends are invited to the Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow, Ohio, for visitation Sunday from 4 to 7 PM, where service will be conducted Monday 10 AM.  Interment Northampton Cemetery.  Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Crossroads  Hospice, 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr., Suite E, Green, OH 44685.