Obituary of Eugene J. Tonkovich

Eugene J. Tonkovich (83), of Palm Beach, Florida and New Canaan, Connecticut, passed away on May 23, 2024, with his devoted wife of 54 years, Elfriede (Turk) by his side.

Eugene, fondly known as Gene, was born to Anthony and Katherine (Lundy) on December 15, 1940, in New York City.

Gene served in the United States Army Medical Corp (Reserve) from 1963-1969. He was a graduate of the Baruch Business School and the MIT (Sloan) Senior Executives Program.  He began his career at Union Carbide. Subsequently, he joined General Cable Corporation, in the Marketing Research Department, rose through the ranks, and ultimately retired as President.  Later, Gene served as Chairman of the Board of Wind Turbine & Energy Cables and President of Hudson Technologies.

Gene served on several boards, including Lincoln Hall, the Environmental Commission of New Canaan, and King Wire. Active in his communities, Gene was a member of the Country Club of Darien, Palm Beach Yacht Club, The Union League Club of New York, the Senior Men’s Club, and the Rotary Club.

Gene loved his wife, Freddie, deeply and considered their family to be one of his greatest accomplishments.  He was a devoted father to Stephen (Lisa Grant) of Boston, Massachusetts and David (Joanna Bolles) of New Canaan, Connecticut. He was a proud grandfather (Poppie) to Beckett, Ted, Harry, and Paula.

Known as the ultimate family man, Gene will also be remembered for his fun parties, constant jokes, stories about Brooklyn, encyclopedic knowledge of movies, and dedication to his favorite team, the NY Yankees. 

A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place on Friday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, 21 Cherry St, New Canaan, CT 06840.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 31 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, 21 Cherry St, New Canaan, CT 06840.

Interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Gene’s honor to Waveney Care Center of New Canaan.