Teddy Tokarz

Teddy Tokarz passed away peacefully at home in Boynton Beach, Florida on February 26, 2014 following a long illness. He was born on June 20, 1920 in Fall River, Massachusetts. He was the husband of the late Marjory M. (Hall) and the father of his recently deceased son, Teddy F. Tokarz. He is survived by his daughter Mary-Jane Harrington of Little Compton, RI, his daughter-in-law, Jeanne Tokarz of Berkley, Massachusetts, his granddaughter, Elizabeth Webster of Mims, Florida, and grandson, Gerald Harrington III of Little Compton, RI. Ted had two great granddaughters: Marissa and Amy Maciel also from Florida. He is also survived by six step-children.

Ted graduated from Brown University with a degree in engineering. He was a graduate of BMC Durfee High School and was a varsity football, basketball, and soccer athlete and was inducted into the Durfee Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985.

Ted was a United States Naval Aviator and earned his wings in 1942. This was his proudest accomplishment. Mr. Tokarz was trained to fly “Hellcat” fighter planes off aircraft carriers in the Pacific, participating in the Battle of Midway and other naval actions. Although seriously injured when forced to parachute from his aircraft, Mr. Tokarz successfully completed his enlistment and continued service in the U.S. Naval Reserves for many years, achieving the rank of Commander.

After leaving the Navy he became a Metallurgical Engineer. Over the years, Mr. Tokarz founded several business enterprises, including Bristol Engineering & Manufacturing which was bought out by Starrett Tool Company. He also held patents for numerous inventions, including equipment in use today for improving the processing and quality of potato chips. After the opening of former Soviet Union satellite nations to Western contracts in the early 1990’s Mr. Tokarz helped develop mutually beneficial business ventures in Poland.

He loved ballroom dancing and telling stories with close friends and family. He was a mentor to many people and will sadly be missed and greatly remembered.

Donations may be made in his honor to Palm Beach Hospice, 5300 East Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33407; or, email www.hpbc.org/donations. Private services in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Cherry Place, Fall River.