Ronald Tomczak Obituary

Tomczak family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. As our PE instructor for the class 79 he had to be a man amoung men to handle all the diverse characters we had that year. He gave the departing seniors of our class a final lecture which I can still remember today. Mr. Tomczak advised us not to let our bodies go to pot once we graduate and showed us exercises to keep in shape all our lives. I listened to his advice and even continue to use some of the exercises he demonstrated today. Even though I didn't play football for him, he did impact my life.

We want to extend our deepest sympathty to the Tomczak family. Ron will be missed by everyone. I personnally will miss his dry sense of humor. He was definitely one of a kind.

Jerry & Pat Luzi

Gina,

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I just recently heard that your father passed away and I wanted to reach out to you, but unfortunately it has been so long since we last spoke that I don't have your number anymore. I have been sitting here remembering all the fun times you and I had together (I can't watch the movie Christmas Vacation without thinking of you) and I just wish that I could talk to you and personally tell you how sorry I am for your loss. If you ever need a friend to talk to (I really miss the friendship that we had), please e-mail me and I will be there for you. Love, Mary

To the Tomczak Family,
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. T. while attending TF North. He was a wonderful, caring man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

If God Gave Me One More Day With Him. A Poem dedicated to my father by Jennifer. February 24, 2007

If God gave me one more day with him, this is what I'd say
I'd tell him he meant the world to us in a million different ways.

As a dad you spoke positively, into all our lives, You've instilled in us things we can never forget,
Put others first, work hard, don't neglect your family ties.

We all have faith in our Lord and Savior, Because you showed us the way, You are an example of a man who lives that out, Each and every day.

As a grandpa, the things you've done for our kids, It's way too much to count, They're blessed to have you in their lives, Your love for them they'll never doubt.

It is a joy to watch you with our little ones, Their tiny hand reach for yours, The look of love and fulfillment on your face, will stay with us forever, of this I'm very sure.

Then there are the birthday cakes, You never let one single year go by, Without the candles, singing and all the works, the baker can probably retire on what you buy.

I'd give anything to have another Sunday with you, sitting and relaxing by our pool, You'll have the boys do push ups, you'll nap, to pass up another day like this, I'd have to be a fool.

When I wake up in the morning and realize, I won't see or hear from you today, the grief just overwhelms me, until I think of what you'd say.

Jenn, pick your head up, come on now, Don't you let yourself get down, Use this day to make a difference, Remember I showed you how.

Dad there is no one in the world like you, We love you just the way you are. You are the person we'll all strive to be, From our hearts you'll never be far.

We love you Dad.

Tomczak Family,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. As you can see, your father touched many of us either as a coach or even a gym teacher. He taught us some life lessons and will be remembered by all he has touched. May God bless your family.

To the Tomczak
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, in this great loss.
Janet and Georgene Cosgrove
Gilbert, Arizona
(formerly Calumet City, Illnois)

My friend Ron
We played softball at Avalon Park in 1952. We believed in the same things. GOD, girls and hard work. We were friends in 1953,54,55,56,57. You get the idea. It is now March 2007. We still believe in the same things,GOD, Lifetime marriage's, hard work ( at least Ron did ). I was honored to be a pallbearer. We're still friends. God Bless You Ron. Phil Santoro

To The Tomczak Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with
your entire family, may he rest in
peace. Joe Casola and family
Mokena Burrros
Youth Football

My Father's Eulogy

Dad,
What I want to share with you today are some notes I've jotted down about my dad. For you see he was a great purveyor of notes. As I sat at his desk in the basement of his house Sunday morning and began writing everything was in order. Why was it in order? Because he prepared. He was well aware that the day would come when the clock would run out. He was the type of person who had to have a plan. When the plan went array he made the necessary adjustments and went forward. One example of this was early on when his wife Barbara passed away in Dec. 1964. I was 3 years old, Mike was 2, and Sue was 6 months old. I never asked him about her nor did he ever divulge any information. Yes I've often wondered and had many questions I wanted to ask. But I figured his plan was that he knew he couldn't take a step backwards because if he did it would be that much more difficult to move ahead. Through that difficult time he picked up the pieces and moved on. My father was a creature of habit. He wrote everything down. Mike and I had many an early breakfast with him and all he would do while waiting for his food was draw plays on napkins. He'd say I'm going to put these plays in during practice today. I'm sure one of the happiest days of his life was when "post-it notes" were invented. My dad loved us kids. When we had the day off in grade school or Jr. High we would spend the whole day with him at work. Whatever activity was going on in P.E. class Mike and I did. We thought we had the greatest life in the world playing in the gym all day. He was a tireless man. He would play catch with us baseball or football any chance he could. He always had one of us jump on his back while he pumped out 20 push-ups. I think back to the many speeches I heard him give and they always had the same theme. He talked about moral values in life and it was always religion came first, family came second, education third, and recreation fourth. He wanted to set examples for his student/ athletes. Never smoked and never drank. Many of you probably never knew that he was in the seminary to become a priest at the age of 14. It wasn't meant to be. It was his fathers dream. What a priest he would have been. He was a born leader. His motto was either lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way, He knew how to make everyone important. I recently asked him Dad, who was the greatest football player you ever coached? His answer was, you were. I'll never forget roll call before football practice each and every day. He expected you to answer here sir. If you just said here instead of here sir he continually repeated your name until he heard here sir. It was his way of testing you. The man knew how to challenge his student/ athletes. As a coach preparation was paramount. My teammates gave him the nickname "Marathon Ron". When we ran our offensive plays there were many times the same play was run 5-6-7 times because someone didn't get it right. Often, it was a different player each time. He wanted perfection! Practices were supposed to be more intense than the game. He was the master at setting the tone and tempo. He knew where his team needed to be during the week. It was a plateau system, each day more focused with a higher psych. If you weren't where he thought you should be things got rough and there was hell to pay. When he gave his pre-game speeches in the wrestling room, in total darkness, we were ready to run through a brick wall when we came out. The speech revolved around that first hit and setting the tone. He called it "put a hat on someone". He paid great attention to detail. When reviewing football films the day after the game his grading sessions would last 4,5,6 hours. He would go over each play 11 times grading each player with a plus, minus, or zero. In a way he was a quiet man who preferred to lead by example. When you think about most great leaders that’s the way it was done. He loved to stay fit. My grandfather told me that he had the crapped kicked out of him at 12 years old by a few guys and from then on Ron was on a mission to never let it happen again. You know what, it didn't! His dedication to hard work on a daily basis made him what he was. He couldn't stand half-_____ efforts. He didn't have hobbies. His hobby was exercising or of course watching sports. If he wasn't doing that he was doing something for someone else. He loved people and most of all he loved life. He had a timely wit and a dry sense of humor. Steve Puchalski or "Pooch" TFN Class of '79 wrote in these guest pages. "He'd be working your butt off then he'd drop a comment or two and have everybody laughing and forgetting for a moment that you had cottonmouth and couldn't breathe. He would say, "If I put your brain in a bird it would fly backwards". Pooch also wrote. And I'm still waiting for the scholarship to Great America that he promised to get me when I told him I was going there the day after prom instead of working out". He was a proud man. Especially of his family. You could see him light up when someone asked about his kids. One thing I admired most about my dad is the pride he took in his work and especially his family. My mother JoAnn is a soul mate, a driving force, and a support system who helped make all his victories possible. To conclude I'd like to read some words that were very important to my father. He used this passage as a cover letter for the many student/athletes he helped apply for college scholarships. An individual must take pride in his accomplishments in order to accomplish. I want football players who set achievable goals, who so dedicate themselves that they cannot be severed from this goal; and who, when they are accomplishing fully, take great pride in their ability to do so. Such players are hard to beat, even when the football, as they say bounces funny. I believe that very little is impossible to those willing to pay the price, and I believe that paying the price is, in itself, an enjoyable part of attaining one's goals.
I believe that any group of athletes who are willing to accept less than the best will end up with just that! If they are willing to accept a season in which they win half their games, they will win half their games--and emerge half alive! If they lose all their games, and that fact does not kill them, they are already dead! Only the winner is alive.
Life without victories is tasteless.

DAD YOU WERE VICTORIOUS IN LIFE!
February 28, 2007
I LOVE YOU RON "BOGIE"

Dear Mike and family,
Though I've never met your father, he was a great inspiration to me. I enjoyed reading about him in the newspapers and magazines. I know he was an inspiration to all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "Remember me with smiles and laughter, because that is how I will remember you."

Dear Joann, Suzie, Ronnie, Mike, Jennifer, Steve and Gina
My condolences to all of you. Life does seem to get us by surprise and often in disturbing way. Cherish the good times and keep your memories alive by staying together and talking about Ron. It does not seem possible that all these years have passed us by. I rmember my Kristin running down the sidewalk on Hirsch St. and saying "I'm going to Tomczak's to play Barbie" They are together now and will be angel's to all of us. Thanks for the memories.

Dear Tomczak Family,
It has been 30 years since I left Cal City, but often I would think of TF North and Coach. Fond memories of him as I would lift weights in the "cage" after school, and he would stop and offer some advice and encouraging words. God must have needed a fine man and great coach! Class of '76

To the Entire Tomczak Family,

Your loss is our loss...Coach was a big part of all of our lives. He will be missed and this world is already different without him in it. The years I played football for him in High School were some of the best days of my life and he was one of the major reasons for it being that way. I just feel lucky to have been a part of his "Family" and I know he thought of us all that way. Many years after I graduated he would come and watch my 5 year old son play indoor soccer at the Frankfort Dome when he and Steve had the Fitness Center there. Every weekend he would come down and talk to my son after the games and tell him what a great job he did. He was like a proud Grandfather. I am glad my son got to meet him and know him! He probably never told anyone he did that and I wonder how many of his friends he did special things like that for just because he cared. I coach baseball today and I find myself saying and teaching many of the same things he taught us. I only hope that I can be be as good a role model to them as he was to me! I never really said it to him but I do want to say Thanks Coach for all you did for me...it took me a while but I finally understand why you expected so much from me and I am honored that you had the faith in me to expect more!

Ronnie, Mike, Sue, Steve, Jennifer, Gina and Mrs. Tomczak if there is ever anything I can do for you please don't hesitate to ask...

To Tomczak Family, Mr. T helped me in many ways when I attended TFN in 90-92. He encouraged me to use my car like it was a football on my 1st day of learning how to drive. "Dodge the people and their cars to head home for the touchdown", he would say. It was funny to me because I am a girl and anything I ask to help me with he would describe it in football terms. I want to thank all of his family members for sharing him with others. And my prayer to you all is that God will keep you and give you peace. Thanks Mylie M

I was so sorry to hear that Mr. Tomzcak passed away. Everytime I think of him I see him on the bike doing his cardio workout. Waving to those coming in and leaving. I loved when he would ask my son to give him 10 pushups or situps and then tell him how wonderful he was doing. He's only 13 but Ron took the time to talk to us always. What a wonderful man. My condolences to you and your family. I miss him deeply everytime I enter the club. The lines were so long to get into the home that I had to leave. I think that says it all.

I have waited until today to do this, I went over many words to say and none of them sounded like what I wanted to say. I feel now that I can say this and know it will be heard the way I want it to be. I have known Ron for only 2 years and I have to say that I felt as if he was as close to family as can be. There was never a negative word from him. He only had positive words/feelings. Even on my worst days he could bring a smile to my face. I guess that was another one of his special talents. While working with him I saw him do that to alot of people, make them smile with just a positive word or two. After working with him and seeing him about everyday at the gym I can say I feel like I have been blessed to know such a special man.

To all of the Tomczak Family I can only say that your dad/husband/grandfather was truly one of a kind and loved by so many people. He touched so many lives in such a positive way. He will be remembered in the best of ways. He has started a new "game" now and I am sure he is doing his very best - that seems to be all he knew how to do. He has made all of you the wonderful people you are today, his job here was done perfectly!

May you all find peace in knowing what a wonderful man he was. And to Ronnie all I can say is "GOOD JOB TODAY BABE". God Speed!

Dear Sue, Mike and Ron,

My deepest sympathy is extended to you and your families. When I heard of Mr. T passing my heart was hurt and tears filled my eyes. He was an inspiration to many and has a strong foundation into what I have become today. I am proud to be one of many students and athletes he has formed from adolescences to adults. His legend lives not only in me but in my children. Each football season my two older sons can recite lessons learned from coach T and how no high school coach today can measure up to him. He will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

To the entire Tomczak family, my family and I send our heartfelt sympathies. He will be remembered forever by The Kubas Family.

#63, Class of "82
Lieutenant Colonel, US Army

Dear Jo Ann and Family:

Our prayers and heartfelt
sympathies are extended to you
in the loss of Ron. The friends
and associates are a legacy to
his life.

May God in His goodness extend
the graces needed to help all of
you through your days ahead.

Linda Jennings

Steve, Jennifer and Family
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. Ron truly raised the bar as a father and mentor. Our prayers and thoughts are with you in the coming days.

Dear Tomczak Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, we are all saddened to hear the loss of your father. He was a very nice man who helped with our sons Brandon & Brian at the gym, he will be missed.
The Leonard Family, Mokena Illinois

To JoAnn and Family,
I don't know if you remember me, but I babysat for you and Mr. Tomczak many years ago on 108th & Peoria. I followed from a distance the story of the Tomczaks, but you were always close in my heart. I was very sad to read about Mr. T's passing. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Tomczak Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May all your wonderful memories give you peace.

Tomczak family--
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. I will pray for you all.

To the Tomczak family -
We are thinking of you today and so wish I could be there - to see you all again and to pay my respects to someone who was truly lovable. I am so sad that I'll never be able to see Ron again - I can only imagine how you must feel. I'm thankful to have know Ron and greatful for the influence he had on my life. He is an inspiration. I hope to see you all again sometime. Love, Susan Harshberger Dunn, Toby, and Elena

To the Tomczak Family
My sympathy is extended to you all. My life is better due to coach being a part of my life. He inspired me through his life to take better care of my body and to excel as an athlete. Coach knew Ron Heller a fellow Shocker, which led to my life here in Wichita, a better life than I could have imagined. Coach you live on in our hearts and thoughts, God Bless, and your family will be in my prayers during this time of bereavement.

A great man, who will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.

The entire Montella Family would like to extend their deepest sympathy to the Tomczak Family. To say Coach was a giant among men is an understatement. He molded many lives on and off the field of athletics. He instilled in his teams a sense of pride, honor and competition. I will always remember his sense of humor, his toughness both self and team wise. Those of us who played for him will always be able to tell our kids and grandkids that we played for a genuine "Legend" Thank You Coach Tomczak for one fantastic ride!!!

Our family was shocked and saddened to hear of Ron's passing. I had fond memories of the coach from my brief time as a student teacher and volunteer coach at T.F.N. It was so ironic to find out that we were neighbors twenty years later.

Jenn... As a fellow New Life member, I want to extend my sympathies to your entire family. I lost my Father to heart disease when he was only 51 yrs old. (my Mother at age 61 from the same disease). I can only say from experience, that no matter how much it hurts right now, it will eventually ease to the rear & what will be foremost will be your wonderful memories. Little events that have probably not been thought of in a long time will all of a sudden pop up & you will be very happy with the remembrance. It's been over 40 yrs since Dad died. I will NEVER forget him or Mom. I consider myself very fortunate to have had 2 such great parents & from what I've read in this guest book, your Dad was 1 of the great ones too. You & your family are in my prayers at this sad time.

Jo Ann and Family,
We were in shock when we got the news of Ron's death.Know that he will be in our prayers. We will also be praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
I am so please that I was able to talk to Ron in December. He was a dear friend and I shall miss him. If there is anything we can do please let us know.

To the Tomczak Family:
The true measure of a man can be found in his friends and his reputation. Ron was truly a great man. He touched many lives through his leadership, humor and kind words as a teacher and a coach. My son Chris and I will miss Ron's advice and humor at the gym. I always looked forward to chatting with Ron. He will be sorely missed.

Dear Ron & Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear father.
May God bless him and bring him home.
Sincerely,

Dear Tomczak Family,
Sorry to hear about Mr. Tomczak's passing. From the old Nautilus to Body Tech, he'd kid me about over- tightening the seat on the stationary bike and I'd tell him to turn the Cubs off the TV. He was a good man and I'll miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

To Mike and Ron,

A couple of years ago I went to my nephews football game at Lincoln Way East. I was there early for warm ups and I heard a familar voice from the field and it was your dad getting players ready for the game. I had no idea he was coaching for LWE. He saw me by the fence, came over, shook my hand and said that I was really getting Gray, then the familiar smile. I could not believe that he remembered me after all of these years. He still had the same look, the same intensity as he did for all of our games.

I can look back at High school and some of the things that did not make sense at the time now make perfect sense. He was a leader with words and also by example. He strived for everyone to be their best, even when it seemed impossible. He showed his dedication to the student athletes by crossing the picket line, coming in early, staying late, or even going over plays during study hall. Everyone was the same to him in the classroom or on the field, whether you were a starter, second or third string. A true class act.

To the entire Tomczak family, my wife Donna and I truly send our deepest sympathies. Rest easy, he truly is in good hands.

Jim Lameka, Class of 1981

Dear Mike and Family,
Dave, Derrick, Andrea and I were sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like your dad was a great man who was a positive influence in so many people's lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Tomczak Family,
I feel honored to have had Coach Tomczak as a coach and a role model in my life. He was a positive influence on my life and has taught me a lot about the game of football and life. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

To the Entire Tomczak Family
Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss of a very dear and loving gentleman. Coach Tomczak was the best and I enjoyed being his student in Gym Class for 4 years from 1982-1986 at T. F. North H.S. in Calumet City. He never would let you quit or give up and was always encouraging to all students he had. He will truly be missed and loved in my heart as well as many forever as well as his spirit.

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU.
MR,"T" WAS MY GYM TEACHER FOR 2 YEARS AT T.F. NORTH.
SOME OF MY FONDEST MEMORIES WERE HOW HE ALWAYS SAID " YOUR DOING A GREAT JOB" AND "KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK" ANOTHER WAS HIS HUMOR!! (HE GAVE ME AND OTHERS IN MY CLASS AN "A" FOR GETTING MIKES' AUTOGRAPH AT SEARS).
I AM GOING TO MISS YOU SOOOOOO MUCH MR "T". IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE MEETING UP WITH YOU AGAIN AT BODY TECH FITNESS AND A PLEASURE TO GET TO KNOW YOUR SON STEVE.
"In your time of sorrow
Know that God is there
He will hold you in His arms
And wipe away your tears
He understands your pain
He feels the grief you feel
Just give to Him your broken heart
For He in time will heal"

I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL!!

Dear Coach Tomczak & family,
I am sooo very sorry to hear of your passing, my brother called from Las Vegas. Your name brought back so many smiles,after 37 years. From our aggressive playing of dodgeball in gym class, to rough scrimages @ basketball practice, w/ Coaches
Munda,Buvala & Daugherty,to the unity of our football team. You formed our high school years. Thanks for all your help,instuction & smiles~ May God coach you now in the biggest GAME!
DAVE REIPLINGER
T.F.NORTH Class of 1970

Dear Mrs. Tomczak
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Just two days before his passing Ron sent me a personal note; a first class gesture by a first class gentleman. I did not know him well, but I enjoyed my conversations with your kind and gracious husband.

My brothers and I would like to join all of those who have expressed their sympathy in the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Tomczak inspired many of us to reach beyond what we thought was our limit; physically and mentally. He was and will always remain our coach.
Please take comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and how much he will be missed.

Dear Steve & Family,

I know no words can be said to help heal the pain you are feeling...with that said I would like to say what an honor it was to know your Father, my boys and I called him "Grandpa Tomczak" he has touched so so many lives and made a difference to so many poeple. My son Frankie for all the years he had to loose weight for Football your Dad was always there to encourage him with his kindness and support. His smile will never be forgot, and the sight of him at the end of the Football Field kneeling and watching the game. So sorry Steve you are so lucky to have had a Great Father he will be remembered forever by The Markasovic Family.

To the entire Tomczak Family,we{Churilla Family} would like to tell you how saddened I was when Ronnie called me to inform me of the news."Coach T" will never be forgotten.The lessons learned from him wll carry on with me for my entire life and with so many others. I have used some of his teaching on my little 8 yr old girl,Rachel.I just can't use all of them!I told her that besides the Lord and my Dad,Coach T has had the biggest impact on my life.Here are some of the memories that I have of the GREATEST COACH of any sport that I have been associated with...{in no certain order}
1.Remember jumping in the stickshift volkswagon with about 10 guys from summer practice?Ronnie telling us all how great the Pittsburgh Pirates were.
2.Coach T crossing the picket line so that we could practice that week against Rich Central.How much courage did that take and loyalty he showed us.
3.Telling us to carry out the garbage cans to the street and instead of dragging them do parallel raises to work the shoulders.
4.You can't make chicken salad out of chicken .....
5.I remember I callenged him to a "DIP" contest in gym class.He told me that he would do twice as many as me.I told him no way.I did 35,Coach T did 70!!
There are so many other stories to tell but that will be at another time.The event that I will always remember is when I called up Coach T to invite him to the 20th Reunion of the Class of 1980.He was really choked up and said"I can't believe you guys would invite me.I said "Coach, you said that the 1979 football team was the Best Team you ever had,so I think we have to according to "Sports Law".He started to laugh and said he would be honored.We were the ones who were honored.Coach showed up with 4 scapbooks from all the years.We all took a TEAM picture that night.We all had a blast!My Dad ,who just turned 99 years old said it best,"Coach Tomczak was called upstairs to help coach an athletic event".
Every year,somehow, we are going to Honor the GREATEST COACH,I personally have ever had,COACH TOMCZAK!!
With deepest sympathy,#22- Mike Churilla and Rachel Churilla

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I knew him only as coach Tomczak, a man passionate about instructing young people about sports and discipline. His character and passion are reflected in his children, two of whom, Ron & Mike, I had the pleasure of watching play outstanding basketball in grade school.
My Condolences, Douglas Seitzinger

I am truly sorry for your loss. As you all have known before this, Ron was a very special person that touched many lives. I had the pleasure of meeting him and speaking with him on occasion while I worked at L-W. His smile lit up the room.
Your family is in my prayers. You all have a very special guardian angel looking out for you now.

Really sad to hear about the passing of Coach Tomczak. He was a true mentor and inspiration to 1000's of kids in Cal City who wanted a better life. Thanks to Coach T, I was able to play college football and because of the lessons learned from Coach T I was able to have a happy and fulfilled life. My life would have been much different if it had not been for Coach Tomczak. God Bless Him and His Family.
Dave Polovina
Captain, TF North Football 1967
Jacksonville Beach, FL

Dear Mike,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I have great memories of your Dad coaching at T.F.North through my high school years. From the class of "79.

Dear Jo Ann and Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Love to you all, Jenny

Dear friends,
We are just so sorry to hear of your loss. Such a wonderful and faithfilled man. Such a testimony in the field of coaching and in life. We admire him greatly and always have.

We send our hearts. Words cannot express. We care. We are sure with you. God bless you and make some good for the loss of this incredible man.

It has been an honor to have known Ron.

Very warmest regards,
Sam & JoAnn Cutrara

We are so sorry to hear of your loss for Ron was certainly a great person, coach, husband and father. We are sure he will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts along with all those he came to know. He left a lasting impression on all of us.

There was great sadness yesterday when I heard the news about Mr. Tomczak. There are so many memories that came flooded back to me starting from Grade school through High School. He was a very caring person that will truly be missed. He is one of the people that made a difference in many lives. Ron, Mike and Sue, my thoughts are with you!

Ann Ruberry

Dear Joann, Steve, Scott & the Tomczak Family,

We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Ron's sudden passing. Bill considered him like a second father. Their long talks late at night meant so much to Bill. So many times, Bill would be training someone and Ron would be joking with one of the kids in the gym. Bill would just look at Ron and Ron at Bill and they'd both crack a smile. Those moments, and many others, will be missed.

Ron always had encouraging & uplifting words to say. My last conversation with him was just last week. Ron was telling me what a great workout I had & encouraging me to keep up the good work. It takes only a moment for a person to make a eternal impression in your heart, as Ron did. His family shares this wonderful gift. All of you are such wonderful people. His legacy lives on in you.

May your loving memories and the wonderful stories you hear bring some comfort to you at this difficult time. Ron will be missed by all.

If you need us for anything, just call. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!

Dear Tomczak Family ~ My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I was very lucky to have Coach Tomczak in my life. I will miss all of his jokes, all of his good advice he gave me, and most of all his friendship. He will be missed but never be forgotten, and always remembered in the highest regard.

To the Tomczak family..
On behalf of the complete Mendel Alumni Association and even more so from his classmates from the 1962 grad class, please accept our humble condolences on your loss.
May God Bless and help you through these trying times.

Dear Tomczak family:

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I played football for coach Tomczak in the 70's and he was also my driver's ed teacher. I'll remember his great sense of humor.

Dear Jenny,
I am so sorry to hear of your fathers death. He was taken so sudden and to young. I know you will find peace because of the love you all had for one another. Please extend my deepest sympathies to your mom and entire family. May God bless you at this difficult time.
Love, Sue Fosnaugh
I worked with you at Frankfort State Bank

Dear Tomczak Family ~ The life of the Coach has not ended....it has simply changed. Heartfelt sympathies to you all. May you be blessed with His Comfort until you're reunited. TFN Class of '73.

Mr. Tomczak will be missed by the entire Lincoln-Way Community. He was always there for our students in more ways than you can count.He touched the lives of thousands and will not be forgotten.
REST IN PEACE.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Our sympathy to the Tomczak family. I didn't know Mr. Tomczak, but I know from Jenn how much she admired him, loved him and how he was not only her dad, but her friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

To the Tomczak family:So sorry for your loss Carrie Brosseau

To the Tomzak Family, I would like to extend my condolenses and deepest sympathy to all of you. Your dad was a good man.

To the Tomczak family, who I've known since 1964 as a teacher and coach at Oak Lawn High School. He was a friend who was humble, devoted, easy going and nice. If you needed his help, you needn't ask twice. He was classy and so even-tempered that he'll never be forgotten, but always remembered. It doesn't seem fair that he's gone way too early but Ron would want us to keep our heads up and celebrate his sixty-nine years.

Mr.Tomczak was a good man. He was my P.E.teacher,at TFN.(class of "77).May he now rest in God's arms.

Let me first say how sorry I am to hear about your Dad's passing.
I will miss him greatly, it has been twenty four years since he coached me and to this day, I still think of the lessons he taught me on and off the field. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult of times. Bill Vernon (Class of 84)

Jo Ann and family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in my prayers and thoughts. I am so thankful for the chance to have known Ron.
May God bless you all.
Andrea

To the Tomczak Family,
A great man is evidenced by the great family that he leaves behind. May he rest in eternal peace knowing that he touched the lives of so many.

To all the Tomczak family, my family and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. The philosophy Mr. Tomczak taught me on the football field has been significant to my success and applied to life lessons with my family. His values will live in our hearts forever!

Dear Tomczak Family:

The 5 Blackburn boys want to express our prayers, sympathies, and condolences to the Tomczak family. Coach touched all our lives as a teacher, coach and mentor.

May God bless you richly is our prayer.
Jay (70), Biff (73), Ray (73), David (78), and QB Brian Bootsie (79).

My deepest condolences to your entire family. I feel priviledged to have known Coach Ron Tomczak, as he was a great motivator and an even better mentor. He was a true people person and always knew how to make someone new feel welcome. He will be greatly missed but remembered fondly.

My deepest sympathy to the "Coach's" family. It is amazing how the lessons learned on the football field have helped my entire life. These lessons could not have been taught any better than by Coach Tomczak.

Dear Tomczak Family -

Your father was my gym teacher for two years at TF North. He was a wonderful leader and mentor to the students. I remember my junior year of PE when there were 28 boys and only six girls in class!!! Somehow he kept the order and made it fun and enjoyable for all of us!
I often speak about your father to friends and family to this day - he was a geniune and caring teacher.
My prayers are with you.

Yours truly,
Margaret (Marnie) Farina
Class of '90

Our hearts go out to the family of Mr. Tomczak. He will always be remembered by us as a teacher, a coach, and most of all, a friend. Memories of our time with him will not be forgotten.
The Serbin Family

To the Tomczak Family,
Ron was an inspiration to countless Calumet City young people. He will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Love,
Gus and Holly Rossi

The Tomczak Family,

Our Deepest sympathy is extended to the entire Tomczak family. Ron touched several generations of the Boers family. From my father, who wrote about Ron when he coached at TF North to me and my wife, from our years at Body Tech, and finally to my children who adored Ron because he always had some form of a treat for them after the workout was over. Ron was a wonderful man who inspired and touched the lives of thousands of people, including my family. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

The Boers family

To the Tomczak family;
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Mr.Tomczak always would say hi and stop and chat for a few seconds during our workouts at BodyTech. He will be missed.
The Gath family,
MOKENA,ILLIONIS

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. May God bless your family in this difficult time of sorrow. Joe Rising class of '72

RON AND I BECAME GOOD FRIENDS WHEN HE COACHED NORTH AND I WAS WITH THE
CALUMET CITY POLICE DEPT. AFTER WE LEFT CALUMET CITY WE'D STILL RUN INTO ONE ANOTHER EITHER AT A RESTURANT IN FRANKFORT OR ST MARY'S CHURCH IN MOKENA AND WE'D HAVE A NICE VISIT. HE WAS JUST A REALLY GOOD GUY, AND I WAS PROUD TO SAY I KNEW HIM. MAY THE LORD GRANT HIM ETERNAL REST.......JOHN SULLIVAN,
RETIRED CHIEF OF POLICE, CALUMET CITY,IL

To Steve,Beth and the Tomczak Family
Our Deepest Sympathy to all of you. "COACH" was a great inspiration,
always ready to assist us during our workouts. He shared with us not only the techniques he has practiced and perfected throughout his lifetime, but also encouragement, dedication, humor and lessons in life. "COACH" will be missed but always remembered.

Dear Tomczak Family,

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Tomczak's death. He was my gym teacher, and I was one of his gym leaders in 1987-88 at T.F. North. I will always remember him---he taught me how to properly shake hands, and I recall that lesson every time I extend my hand.

God bless and comfort you through this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

To the Tomczak Family, My deepest sympathy to all of you. His words and inspiration lives in all of us who had the honor to be coached by him.

Joann;
May you and your family find peace in knowing that Ron led a good life and inspired many people to do their best. I will always remember Ron as "Coach" at Nautilus. I enjoyed working for him on little projects at the center and appreciated his advise on working out and his kindness.
My prayers are with all of you...
Bernie Weinert

To the Tomczak Family,
We are sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in our prayers. Ron was a very nice man and we will miss seeing him at Body Tech.

Dear Jo Ann, Ron, Michael, Susan ,Steve, Jennifer, and Gina

We were terribly and deeply saddened to receive Ronnie's call informing us that Ron had suffered a fatal heart attack. Ron Tomczak has been a part of my life since he and Wayne and I were just school kids at Wichita State. That's where we started our families.
Ron leaves a wonderful legacy of coaching excellence and high personal character. His lived and practiced his religion with pride. He taught the same lessons of hard work and character in a lifetime of coaching.
Ron made you proud to be his friend. We will miss you.
MIKE and SANDE BOLAN

Coach, you will never be forgotten, you have helped many of us beyond the football field.
God bless all of the Tomczak Family, my prayers are with you.

To the family of Mr. Tomczak. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Many of life's leasons for me were taught via Mr. Tomczak during and outside of playing football for him @ T.F.North.

To the Tomczak Family: My prayers go out to all of you. Ron was a good man and a great coach and will be missed. Playing football for him was a memorable time in my life.

To the Tomczak Family & Scott:

"To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die."
Thomas Campbell

As you hear the many stories about Ron means that he touched many, in many ways. My deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers will be with the entire family.

He is now coaching the angels!! God Bless!

Tomczak Family,
Sorry to hear of Mr. Tomczaks passing. I will always remember him driving me to do better and teaching me how to drive (he was very brave).

Class of 1990

My sincerest sympathies to you JoAnn and your family in Coach Tomczak's passing. Was a geat man and a fellow "Shocker" from Wichita State University. My prayers are with you all.

May God be with the Tomczak family at this time of need. Will always remember Ron as my inspiration at Nautilus and a great guy to talk with!

Dearest JoAnn:
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your children at this time. Our world was made better by the many contributions Ron gave to our schools and children. You are in our prayers.

JoAnn and Mike; Ron was a dear friend and will be missed but not forgotten.Bob, Larry, and Butch Necastro Families.

With sympathy to Coach's family

Words never seem enough at a time like like this but Coach Tomczak was such a big part of his players' lives for a period of time that I feel moved to write something.

Some of the happiest and most memorable times of my life life were spent on a worn patch of field on the west side of TFN. Not the game field but the practice field. Games are fun for everyone but he made you like to practice. Coach could be working your butt off but he'd drop a comment or two and have everybody laughing and forgetting for a moment that you had cottonmouth and couldn't breathe. How many of us were told that if he put your brain in a bird it would fly backwards? And I'm still waiting for that scholarship to Great America that he promised to get me when I told him I was going there the day after prom instead of working out.

I'm sure many stories will be told at Coach's wake by his old players like me with expanding waistlines and receding hairlines. Hopefully it will take away a little of his family's pain to know he touched so many people's lives in such a positive way. I know many of the methods and techniques I use as I coach high school football players now comes straight from that worn patch of field on the west side of TFN.

Coach, thanks for all you did for me. For a generation of people from Cal City you were and always will be T.F. North Football. May God bless you and keep you in his care.

To the Tomczak's~~
We are truly saddened to hear of Mr.Tomczak's passing. His inspirational words and dedication to so many, will be forever engraved in our hearts.You will never be forgotten with each story told and photos shown to the next generation of children from whom you made a huge impact. We thank-you. With warmest regards, Kevin, Sandi & Alyssa Dermody

To the Tomczak Family,

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Tomczak was an extraordinary man. He made a difference in the lives of many people. We will never forget him. His legacy will live forever. He will be missed.

We wish we could travel north to pay our respects in person but am unable so please accept our condolences.

With deepest sympathy,

Rudy and Michelle Smith (Class of 80)

To the Tomczak family,
I am sorry to hear about your dad. I always enjoyed talking to him at the gym. He always had encouraging words for me. He will be missed.

I was so shocked to hear that such a great man had been taken from all of us so suddenly. I got to know Ron after his coaching career was over but I always could tell why he was a great coach and an even better man. He was such a loyal and giving friend to me as well as a great example of a true family man.

Ron's kindness, integrity and great sense of humor will live in my heart forever.

My heart goes out to Joann and to all the children at this time of loss. If I could be of any assistance please feel free to call me.

Mike