Robert Tonkin

Robert “Bob” Tonkin, 80, of Brookville died Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at his home following a period of declining health.

Born September 6, 1943 in West Pittston, PA, he was the son of the late Rollin and Dorothy Snover Tonkin.

Bob was a 1961 graduate of West Pittston High School. He continued his education at East Stroudsburg State College and in 1965 he obtained his BS in Education and majored in Geography and Social Studies. He also obtained graduate credits from Bridgewater State College, University of Cincinnati, University of Iowa and Shippensburg University. 

While in college, Bob played four years of football and was the starting center of the 1964 team that won the Pennsylvania State College Athletic Conference Championship. In October 2012, Bob and his teammates from the 1964 football team were inducted into East Stroudsburg Sports Hall of Fame.

Bob was a teacher, coach, and athletic director. He retired in July 2001 from Brookville Area High School where he taught social studies. During his tenure, he coached football and track, as well as served as athletic director for 15 years.

In 2000, Bob was recognized as the Region III Athletic Director of the Year. In 1986, he started as a member of the PIAA District 9 Committee, focusing on the sports of football and track, serving as the D9 Secretary/ Treasurer, and coordinating many D9 championship events. During the 2008-2009 school year, he served as the Junior High/Middle School Representative on the PIAA Board of Directors. Recently, and of one of his proudest achievements, Bob was recognized in 2024 by the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame for his contributions to high school athletics.

Bob enjoyed spending time with friends and family, being a spectator at high school and collegiate sporting events, coaching and officiating high school athletics, cruising, and adopting greyhounds.

His memberships include Brookville Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon and Elder, District 9 PIAA, and Nittany Greyhounds Adoption organization.

He is survived by his wife Patty, his sons, Michael and David, his daughter Phyllis, and his grandchildren, Andrew, and Juliet. Those preceding him in death in addition to his parents are his sister, Jane and his brother, Rollin.

Furlong Funeral Home, 50 Broad St., Summerville has been entrusted with the final arrangements for Mr. Tonkin.

His family will hold a Memorial Service at 11AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Brookville Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Stanley Bhasker, officiating.

His family suggests memorial donations be made in his memory to either the :

• Brookville Presbyterian Church, 100 North White Street, Brookville, PA 15825

• Nittany Greyhounds, 30 TLD Circle, Port Matilda, PA 16870https://nittanygreys.org/donate

• Robert Tonkin ’65 Family Football Scholarship, East Stroudsburg University https://www.esufoundation.org/give-now-athletic-giving?

Friends and family may order flowers, leave online condolences, light a memorial candle, share a memory or obtain additional information by visiting www.furlongfuneralhome.com.

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