Obituary of John Torok

Green - John Torok, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at Akron City Hospital. He was born March 14, 1923 in Akron, Ohio to Steve and Clara (Fox) Torok and had been a Green resident since 1929. He attended Green Schools graduating from Green High School in 1941. He attended Kent State and had served in the US Navy during WWII. While in the service, he married the former Ellen Nicholson in 1944 and they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on September 12, 2006. John began his varied career before the service at Goodyear Tire and upon his return began his life's work as a dairy farmer in Green. In addition he sold heavy construction equipment for 12 years and was a land developer. His many years of service to his community began as a volunteer fireman for Green from 1955 to 1961 followed by Green Township trustee from 1962-1991 and Green Village Mayor from 1991 to 1992. He was instrumental in the the formation of the City of Green and had the honor of being Green's first mayor and served from 1992 until 1997. He was past president of the Green Twp. Fair Board, Township Trustees Assoc., Summit County Trustees and Clerks Assoc. He chaired the Summit County Planning Commission and the Summit County Health Dept. Advisory Board. He pushed for the construction of the new fire station in 1976 and helped establish the Green Library in the old fire station. He was a strong supporter of Green Schools and aided in the construction of the new Green High School, the old Green High School (now the middle school) and the new stadium. He was a member of the Summit County Mayors Association, Summit County Soil and Water Conservation Board for 16 years and the Summit County Planning Commission for 15 years. He was also a charter member of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, the Holy Name Society and served as an usher. He was a charter member of the Green Kiwanis and the South Summit County Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Green YMCA Advisory Board and worked to involve the entire community in supporting the YMCA's mission of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. His many awards included the Outstanding Citizen award from the East Liberty Commerce Assoc., Outstanding Community Leader in 1996 from the Barberton and Green Chamber of Commerce, Green Kwanis 25 year award, Green Schools "Wall of Fame" in 1998, Trustees Association of Summit County (TASC) service award for the years 1962 to 1991, Home Builders Association Service Award in 1997, Summit County Mayors Award in 1997. He was honored by the dedication the new John Torok Community and Senior Center in 2000. John in addition to his wife Ellen is survived by his son and daughter-in-law John M. and Tammy Torok and their children John and James and his daughter Cecelia Ann Torok; several nephews and a niece; and was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Steve and Hedy Torok. The famiily is grateful for the tender care given to John by his doctor Waleed Nemer and the staff at Hospice of Summa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday 10:00am at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Interment Greensburg Cemetery (next to the family farm). The family will receive friends Sunday 2 to 6 pm at the Anthony and Biscan Funeral Home, 4178 Massillon Road (Corner of Massillon and Steese Roads in Green). Donations may be made to Green YMCA Partners with Youth Campaign or their Building Fund, Interval Brotherhood Home or the Queen of Heaven Building Fund. (Anthony and Biscan, 330-8999790, www.kakfh.com)