Tolland Obituary: Eugene Wochomurka, 86

Eugene Carl Wochomurka, 86, of Tolland, beloved husband of 29 years and best friend of Shirley (Tluck) (Turek) Wochomurka, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Woodlake at Tolland with his family by his side.

Born on December 27, 1929, in Rockville, son of the late Edward and Louise (Kimmel) Wochomurka, he grew up on the family farm in Tolland. After attending Howell Cheney Technical School, he honorably served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. “Gene” worked for many years for John Limberger Construction (Ellington), Stephen D. Williams & Co. (Tolland), and other local contractors as a heavy equipment operator. He was also an honorary volunteer fireman with the Tolland Fire Department, and he was a member of the American Truck Historical Society and the ATHS – Nutmeg Chapter for many years, for which he proudly displayed a treasured 1939 Ford dump truck.

Eugene took immense pride in his home and gardens. He enjoyed working on his trucks, rebuilding old tractors, and cutting fireplace wood using the saw-rig that he had built. He enjoyed traveling and listening to Country Western and German music. His greatest pleasures were being surrounded by family and friends to whom he would rattle off hundreds of jokes. Gene’s gifts to us were his timeless optimism, his loyal and lifelong friendships, and his true dedication as a father and husband.

Besides his devoted wife Shirley, he leaves his loving daughter Cheryl Looke (Stephen) of Broad Brook, and his grandson Fred Yates IV, of Boston, MA. He is also survived by his step-daughter Karin Turek and step-sons Karl Turek of Manchester, and Dr. Paul Turek (Ashley) of Beverly Hills, CA, and their children Sophia and Vanessa. Other survivors include his sister, Mary Clough (Warren) of PA, several nieces and nephews, and his feline friend, Katie. Gene was predeceased by his first wife, Jean Wochomurka (Peterson), his brother, Edward Wochomurka, Jr., and his feline buddies, Tom-Tom and Muffin.

The family would like to thank the staff at Woodlake at Tolland as well as the Hospice staff for their wonderful and compassionate care.

Relatives and friends may join the family on Friday, February 5 at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home , 76 Prospect St., Rockville, from 4 to 7 p.m. A Funeral Home Service will be held on Saturday, February 6 at 11 am. Burial will follow at East Cemetery, Manchester.

Memorial donations may be made to the Tolland Fire Department, P.O. Box 827, Tolland, CT 06084.

For online condolences, please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.