Carl J. Tomayko

Carl J. Tomayko Sr., 86, of Natrona Heights, passed away Friday, January 27, 2017 in Allegheny Valley Hospital, Natrona Heights. He was born August 13, 1930, in Superior, West Deer Township, to the late Max and Ann Herstek Tomayko. Carl was a graduate of West Deer High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh. He was a veteran of the US Army serving in the Korean War. In his younger years Carl was a pitcher for the triple A affiliate of the New York Giants organization. Carl worked for PPG Glass and Fiberglass Research in R.I.D.C. Park, was the business manager for Most Blessed Sacrament Church for 10 years and was a shuttle bus driver for Allegheny Valley Hospital. For 50 years Carl was a political and sports columnist for the Valley News Dispatch, writing a column called the Pigskin Squealer. He was a member of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament R.C. Parish, Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Natrona Heights, Life member of the American Legion Post 48 in Natrona and was a former board member of the Harrison Township Water Authority. Carl was also a former Natrona Heights Little League and Legion baseball coach as well as a board member and was also a former member of the Highlands Football Boasters. His interests included, labor, politics, entertainment, education and sports. Carl was and avid gardener, enjoyed baking and was known for his apple pies. Carl is survived by his children, David (Deborah) Tomayko, of Natrona Heights, Timothy (Terry) Tomayko, of South Buffalo Township, Christopher Tomayko, of Sarver, Kathleen (Michael) Young, of Brentwood, Tn., and Judith Maximenko, of Camp Hill; 12 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; brothers, Melvin (Anna Mae) Tomayko, of Springdale and Thomas (Mary) Tomayko, of Harmony; sister, Dorothy Kuhn, of New Kensington; dear friends, Dr. Lawrence Ferlan, Ange Corso, Dr. John Dudkowski, Harry Gustafson and his dog Cassidy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Amelia M. Minarik Tomayko on November 4, 2007; his son, Carl J. 'Jamie' Tomayko Jr. on May 13, 1987; and by his brothers, Emil 'Moe' and Max Tomayko.
Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4, 6-8 PM in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle St. Natrona Heights 724-224-8688, where a blessing service will be held on Tuesday at 9:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 AM in Most Blessed Sacrament Church with his pastor the Rev. John B. Lendvai as celebrant. He will be laid to rest with full military honor's accorded by the Tarentum VFW beside his beloved wife and son at Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights. To send an on line condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com. A parish funeral vigil service will be held at 1:45 PM on Monday in the funeral home.