Paul M. Tomko

Paul is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Tomko (Wilson) “Mary Beth”; four children and their significant others, David and Sarah Tomko, Maureen and Corey Hovak, Gregory Tomko and Nabeela Shaikh, and Mary Anne and Michael Esposito; five grandchildren, Kylie and Mikayla Hovak, Owen Tomko, Quinn and Ayla Esposito; a sister and brother-in-law, Teresa and Robert Cox, Selden, NY; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by parents Paul P. Tomko and Ann “Theresa” Tomko (Garvey), Deer Park, NY; and brother, Timothy J. Tomko, Deer Park, NY.

Paul was born on Aug. 6, 1953 in Bay Shore, NY. He graduated from Deer Park High School in 1971 and Kutztown University in 1976 with a degree in Art Education. After meeting in college, he married Mary Elizabeth Wilson, on September 3, 1977. His love for her was always apparent. They enjoyed many activities together, such as walking on trails, bottle digging, camping, listening to local music, and enjoying good food. After returning to Deer Park, Paul began working in the printing industry holding many positions throughout the years. Over six years, the couple lovingly welcomed four children. Paul’s children remember him as a kind, supportive, sensitive, and loving father who encouraged them to pursue their goals and to never give up. He always had a good sense of humor, and was a constant positive role model.

Paul enjoyed sharing his love and knowledge of his interests with friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Since childhood he loved camping and hiking, particularly in the Schoharie Valley upstate New York. A knowledgeable forager of mushrooms and member of the Long Island Mycological Society, he recently discovered a mushroom new to Long Island. The collection Paul found has been donated to the New York Botanical Garden as Chromosera lilacifolius, a new combination, with him noted as the collector. Paul was an avid birdwatcher and an active member of the Great South Bay Audubon Society and their annual bird counts. He is a former Vice President of The Friends of Edgewood Oakbrush Plains Preserve and was a Den Leader to both of his sons in the Boy Scouts of America.

Paul was filled with endless creativity which he expressed by playing guitar, gardening, creating artwork and pottery. His award winning piece “The Death of Life”, graphite on paper, was featured in galleries around the world. Growing up he was known for his participation in gymnastics, inspiring his eldest daughter to do the same. He played soccer in high school and later would coach his youngest daughter’s soccer team. Paul was an active runner and participated in many local races along with his family. His continuous demonstration of physical and mental strength, along with his positive outlook, and indomitable spirit, will forever inspire his family and friends.

The family wishes memorial contributions be made to: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, https://themmrf.org, or The Mount Sinai Health System, Tisch Cancer Institute, Multiple Myeloma, https://mountsinai.org