TONKOVICH, Daniel R., 55, of Pleasant Acres, Benwood, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2002, at home. He was born April 17, 1946, the son of Clara Offchinik Tonkovich of Benwood and the late Daniel Tonkovich. He was a graduate of Bishop Donahue High School, McMechen, West Liberty State College and attended graduate school at Syracuse University. Dan was a United States Army veteran having served in a light infantry brigade in Vietnam. He was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1972 and again in 1974. In 1976, he was elected as a West Virginia State Senator and was re-elected in 1980 and in 1984 when he was chosen as President of the West Virginia State Senate. While in the legislature, he served on many committees including Education, Health and Welfare committees and the interim Committee on Penal Reform. He was also involved in the passage of the State Open Meetings Law and the Freedom of Information Act. Dan was also named as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America in 1974, 1977 and 1978. He was a member of the Democratic National Committee, the Congressional Senatorial Committee, the President of the Bishop Donahue School Board, the Knights of Columbus Council #1907, Moundsville, and a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Mt. Olivet. He has worked as an Independent Management consultant, and Independent Website Designer and became an active figure in Justice Fellowship, a ministry organization for prisoners and their families in Harrisburg, PA. Surviving in addition to his mother are a son, Brandon D. Tonkovich of Proctor, WV; two daughters, Stacy Tonkovich of Charleston, WV and Kaitlynn M. Tonkovich of Proctor, WV. There will be no visitation. Friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2002, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Mt. Olivet. Interment wil be held at the convenience of the family in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, 125 18th St., Wheeling, WV 26003, Bishop Donahue High School, 325 Logan St., McMechen, WV 26040 or to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 1023 15th N.W., Second Floor, Washington, D.C. 2005. Arrangements by Altmeyer Funeral Home, Lutes & Kirby-Vance Chapel, 118 Grant Ave., Moundsville.
Past Services
Cemetery
Wednesday February 13, 2002
2:00 pm
Service
Thursday February 14, 2002
6:00 pm
Dan & I attended High School and College together. I worked on several of his campaigns. Worked with him in Charleston and via his personal business. As Stacey will remember, we took trips to Bowl games together. Dan was a great person, great friend and a great West Virginian. I am so sorry for your lose and the lose of a great individual.
Dear Stacy,
Michael and I left to come up there, but we had vehicle problems and had to turn around. I am so sorry that I couldn’t be there for you. But you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let me know, or have Tanner let me know, when you get back into town. And if there is anything I can do for you or your family, please let me know. Again, I am sorry we couldn’t make it up there.
Deepest sympathy to the family.
My condolences to all of you. I first met Dan while he mentored and served as a houseparent for high school students under Congressman Heckler’s Week in Washington. I shall never forget how kind he was, and how he made such an impression upon us who were high school juniors. God will bless him.
Stacy,
I wanted to contact you and let you know how sorry I was to hear about your Dad. I know how close you were. Even though I have not talked to you in a few years, I wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and saying prayers for you, your brother, and sister. Let me know if I can do anything.
Best Regards,
Amy Bowman
Stacy,
I’ll always remember your father as one of the kindest and most generous men I’ve ever encountered. His passing brought both shock and extreme sadness. There is no doubt in my mind that anyone who had the pleasure of knowing your father has felt a great loss this week.
May God Bless you and your family,
Mark Bowman
To the family of Dan Tonovich,
I wish to extend my most deepest sympathy and condolences to you in this time of sorrow.
Dan was a very good man. He’ll be missed by all who have ever been touched by or have known him.
Sincerely,
Bob Byard
Charleston, WV formally of McMechen
With deep sorrow.
With sincere sympathy to the Tonkovich family from the Musilli family. Although, we haven’t spoke in many years, Dan and his family has always been in our thoughts. Losing a loved one is an emotionally strain on families. We are confident that each of you will endure and our prayers are with each of you. Moon and Peggy Musilli