Laurence C. Tomak

Ithaca, NY

Laurence C. Tomak, age 70 of Ithaca, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on September 13, 2017, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born September 22, 1946 in Coudersport, PA, Larry was a son of the late Andrew and Nellie Kern Tomak.  He grew up in Ulysses, PA, and was most proud of being a grandfather, father, and a Penn State Alum.

Larry’s career was dedicated to education, as he taught science, coached track and cross country, and went on to become a guidance counselor in the Hannibal Central School District. Larry finished the remainder of his career at Ithaca High School and retired as the guidance department chair.

Outside of his career, Larry loved his trips to visit his grandchildren in Alaska and Texas, bird watching, exploring nature, gardening, golfing, traveling, theater, and of course, his “snow bird” life between Ithaca and Venice, Florida.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie Garno Tomak.

Larry is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Lucia (Michael) of Manlius, NY, Norell Lovaas (Richard) of Wasilla, AK; grandchildren, Danika, Jacob & Bradley; Rosalie’s children, Cathy Evans (Phil) & Edward Garno; along with grandchildren, Benjamin, Paige & Devin; his siblings, Arthur Tomak (Betty) of Ulysses, PA, Patricia Kish of Ulysses, PA and Anthony Tomak (Roxanne) of Campbell, NY; his companion, Karen Hays; and a large extended family. 

Gifts in Larry’s memory may be directed to Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.

Family will be present to receive friends from 1-3 pm, Saturday, September 16th at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY, immediately followed by a memorial service, officiated by Rev. Dr. David Kaden, at 3pm.