Edward Tokarz, Sr.Born January 15, 1918, died February 15, 2011.
Ed Tokarz was 23 years old on December 7, 1941, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps at Hickam Field at Pearl Harbor, on the day of the bombing.That day at Pearl Harbor was the most meaningful day of his life.He went on to serve in the USAF as a flight engineer throughout WWII and the Korean War.He retired as a captain in 1952 and was awarded two bronze stars for meritorious service.Ed had two brothers with whom he was very close, Walt and Joe.In 1943, he married Catherine Bernadette Nolan, a young nurse from his hometown of Fall River, Massachusetts.Bernie traveled to Miami to marry Ed after his graduation from Officers Candidate School.
Ed and Bernie had three children, Gail, Karen, and Ed, Jr., five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a special grandson, Max, who all loved their Pop.In the last six years of his life, Vanessa Pydeski was Ed's best friend.
Ed lived happily at Aston Gardens and died at Melech Hospice House and will be buried next to his wife at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on Friday, February 18. There he will join thousands of other men and women who served their country when they were young and went on to lead long, good American lives.
The day before Ed died, his daughter asked him if he wanted to go to heaven. No, he said, I want to go to Hawaii. We know he is there now, at Pearl Harbor, strong and brave, in the joy of youth.

There will be a memorial Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lutz at 9am on Friday, February 18.In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to LifePath Hospice, 12973 Telecom Parkway, Suite 100,Temple Terrace, FL 33637.

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MacDonald Funeral Home
Lowell J. MacDonald
Funeral Director & Owner