Frederick J. Tona, 58, of Nazareth, PA died Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at the VNA Hospice of St. Luke’s.
Born: March 8, 1954 in Easton, PA he was the son of the late John and Elizabeth Mae Bowers Tona. He and his wife, the former Linda J. Sandwick have been married for 38 years.
Personal: A graduate of Pen Argyl High School and CIT in 1974, he had been the produce manager at Weiss’ Markets and Ahart’s Market for many years. He had also been employed by Laneco, Eccolaire and A & H Sportswear. He had been a Plainfield Twp. Ambulance Captain and coached for the Plainfield Twp. Athletic Assoc. He was a Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor, Red Cross Instructor and had worked pit crew at the Nazareth Speedway Races. He and his wife have been foster parents for 25 years.
Memberships: He was a member of Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church and former Deacon at Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth. A Certified EMT, he was a member of the Plainfield Twp.Volunteer Fire Company, receiving a Person of the Year Award; Wind Gap Volunteer Fire Company and Lookout Volunteer Fire Company where he was a Past-President. He was a life member of Sertoma International and a past District Governor and Foundation District Representative.
Survivors: His wife: Linda; children: Daniel Flanagan-Tona, Emmaus; Michael Scott Tona, Allentown; Timothy Tona, Crystal Tona, Elizabeth “Betsy” Calwonsen and her husband Ashley; and Amy Mertus all of Nazareth; and a grandson.
Services: 2:30 p.m. Tuesday (6/26) in Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, 3100 Hecktown Road, Bethlehem Twp.; with visitation from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday in the church and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton Street, Easton. Interment will be in Wind Gap Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions: May be made to Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, 3100 Hecktown Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020.
Marie Beil
July 17, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Linda and Family,
I was very stunned and saddened to read of Fred’s death in the paper. I was the Asst. Store Director at Sadie’s when you both worked there. I always think fondly of Fred being “St. Nick” and helping to make beautiful pictures and memories for those families.
I know the two of you were very close and such special people. You both did so much for other people. I heartily express my deepest sympathies to your family. Since he was in hospice, I’m sure it was not an easy road. I’m sure that being strong in your faith has helped you before, during and now, after.
He was a very kind, gentle, big hearted man and the world was a brighter place when he was walking with us. He is in a more glorious place now and you will again be walking together in the next life.
Marie and Scott Beil
SGT Matt Radocha
May 18, 2015 at 3:17 pm
There is no way I can thank Fred and Linda for what they did for me in the early 90″s I found absolute love and dedication for what this individual did for me, I honestly can’t thank them and their family and Church what made me who I am today. This was my foster family as I would get to meet each individual on their own, they were all unique but they had your back, something I was not use to at this time. He lead us not by anger but by respect for each of us. I am truely sorry for his loss, but I will never forget the kindness he showed to each other. I will deep in my heart never forget such a man of character he displayed in his life. Please be safe You are like a soldier and never forgotten. Please help this family because they are so kind.