George Tocimak, 87 of Clearfield and formerly of Philipsburg, died Friday at the Clearfield Hospital.
Born on Oct. 23, 1923 in Philipsburg, he was the son of the late Michael and Anna (Bilanich) Tocimak. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Chester Hill. In his younger years, he served as a member of the church council and was very active in church functions.
Mr. Tocimak served in the Marine Corps, Second Division, Company A during World War II from Nov. 29, 1943 through March 5, 1946. He actively participated in the occupation of Tinien in the Mariana Island chain, Okinawa and the Japan.
He was a member of the Philipsburg American Legion, John Ashley Dennis Post # 3450; the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Louis Jenkins Post # 3450; the Cooties, PT # 58, all of Philipsburg; and the United Mine Workers Union.
Mr. Tocimak was employed for most of his working life with various coal companies in the Moshannon Valley area, retiring from the Rushton Mining Company of Osceola Mills.
He wed the former Irene L. Swansegar on July 24, 1948 at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Chester Hill. She preceded him in death on July 3, 199I. Also preceding him in death were his parents; one brother, John Tocimak; an infant brother, Frank; and an infant sister, Eva.
Mr. Tocimak is survived by three daughters, Elaine A. Cardinal and her husband, Emanuel “Jim” of Mill Hall; Kathleen A. Ricotta and her husband, Jack of Clearfield; and Irene L. Tocimak of State College; and two brothers, Andrew Tocimak and his wife, Louise of Osceola Mills and Michael Tocimak and his wife, Martha of Philipsburg.
In addition, he’s survived by five grandchildren, Jack C. Ricotta and his wife, Kelly of Mantor, OH; Sara K. May and her husband, Dean of Mill Hall; Katrina M. Walker and her husband, Curtis of State College; Timothy E. Cardinal and his wife, Jennifer of Mill Hall; Kristina H. Ricotta of Clearfield; and five great-grandchildren, Aiden May; Calienna and Cody Cardinal; Gabriel and Madeline Ricotta; and several nieces and nephews.
A prayer service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, Philipsburg, and is to be followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Chester Hill, with the Rev. John C. Horosky officiating. Interment will be at the St. John the Baptist Orthodox Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2 – 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Parastas will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by members of the Moshannon Valley Independent Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions can be made to the St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 420 Laura St., Philipsburg, PA 16866. Online condolences may be sent to: beezer-heathfuneralhome.com.