Thomas C. Pokorny
CHARDON – Thomas C. Pokorny, of Chardon, passed away peacefully at his home on April 5, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was 69 years old.
Tom was born on March 11, 1952. He grew up in Hambden Township for his entire childhood.
From an early age, music and sports were enormous parts of Tom’s life. He played in many local bands, including “The Trolls,” who won the first Battle of the Bands at the 1965 Geauga County Maple Festival.
Tom was a 1970 graduate of Berkshire High School, where he excelled as a basketball player. He then graduated from Hiram College and Lake Erie College, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, respectively. He went on to teach Spanish and coach baseball, basketball, and cross-country for 47 years at Ledgemont, Solon, Newbury, Bloomfield and Southington school districts, officially retiring just weeks before his passing.
Tom married his beloved wife and best friend, Shelly, on June 19, 1987.
Throughout his life, Tom loved to travel, play guitar, spend time with family and cheer on Cleveland sports.
He was a wonderful husband, father, teacher, coach and friend. He will be missed by many across Northeast Ohio.
Tom is survived by his wife of 33 years, Michele (nee Stanley) Pokorny; sons, Joseph (Courtney) Pokorny and Andrew Pokorny; brother, Richard Pokorny; sisters, Barbara (James) Kellogg and Nancy (Anne Bruder) Pokorny; niece, Joanna (Jeffrey Toaddy) Kellogg; nephews, Ty (Lisa) Kellogg, Luke (Caitlyn) Kellogg, Paul Stanley and Neal Stanley; aunt, Jan (Speck) (Pokorny) Taczy; several cousins, including Paula (Pokorny) Horbay; beloved in-laws, Elizabeth and Lynn Bristow, and Michael and Gloria Stanley; and five great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Shirley (nee Siska) Pokorny; and cousin, Maryann Pokorny-Ryan.
The family would like to thank The Cleveland Clinic Foundation for its compassionate care during these historically challenging times.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to The Geauga County Hunger Task Force, 209 Center St. #H, Chardon, OH 44024.
A private family committal service was held.
He was laid to rest at Chardon Municipal Cemetery.
Arrangements made by Burr Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.
