Thomas John Okonski

Thomas John "Tom" Okonski, resident of Toledo, OH, unexpectedly passed away on June 3, 2026. Thomas was born on January 4, 1944, to Clarence and Rose (Zaleski) Okonski in Toledo, OH.

Tom played the trumpet and marched in many parades at a young age. Tom attended St. Hedwigs and Central Catholic, where he played football.

After graduation, Tom joined the Army Reserves and served for several years, often standing guard during riots at the start of the Vietnam War. Tom worked as a supervisor for many years at Doehler-Jarvis, the largest producer of die-cast metal in the world, making engine bearings and hood ornaments for Willys-Overland, Packard Ford, and GM. Tom made many lifelong friends while working there. After he retired, Tom spent a short time caring for his first grandchild, Micah. Tom eventually went back to work at Xerox, where he worked several years until he finally retired for a second time.

Tom met his beloved Cris through friends and married in May 1966. They enjoyed 58 years together.

Tom, "Tommy", "Pickell's", or "Pic" as he was known by his friends and family, had many hobbies and interests. Tom owned a vast array of classic automobiles and motorcycles throughout his lifetime. He attended several different car shows and every year he would travel with his sons, Jeff and Jason, to the James Dean Run Car Show in Fairmount, IN.

Tom was a music enthusiast who was there for the start of Rock-N-Roll. He went to many concerts and met several of his "Idols" along the way. He collected records and used to spin records at his family's bar, Pic-Rose. Tom was also a DJ at Detroit Radio Station, WDET, and went by "Doo Wop Tom". Tom Always had music playing in the house all the way up to his last day. Tom also loved Toledo history and especially the Jess Willard vs Jack Dempsey boxing match on July 4, 1919, in Toledo, OH. Tom actually had original memorabilia that was placed in the Toledo History Museum for the 100th anniversary of the event. Tom, along with his sons Jeff and Jason, and grandson Micah Vandergrift, met with organizers and the Mayor of Toledo, Wade Kapszukiewicz, before the grand opening downtown. Tom was also a Civil War history buff and enjoyed reading books on the Civil War.

Tom was a loving husband who also loved and adored his children and grandchildren. He spent many summers taking his family and friends to cottages he rented for many years. Tom always put family first and always opened up his home to family and friends. Tom was a big-hearted soul who was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Michelle (Mike) Vandergrift; sons Jeffrey and Jason (Nicci) Okonski; brother David Okonski; granddaughters Vera and Ava Okonski; sister-in-law Sharon Meade; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Crystal, his parents, nephews, Scott and David, Jr. Okonski, Steven Ervin, and grandson Micah Vandergrift.

Family and friends may visit Friday, June 12, 2026, from 3-7 PM at Walker Funeral Home at 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH. Funeral service will at 7 PM.

Memorial donations may be given to Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter in Thomas Okonski's and Micah Vandergrift's names.