Albert Tomascak of Southbury, passed away peacefully at his home on December 22nd, at the age of 87.

One of 14 brothers and sisters, Albert was a true self-made man, skilled in painting, woodworking, carpentry, masonry and the art of making wine and good, hearty food.

He loved his family, his Catholic faith, his friends and was proud of his Slovak heritage. He grew up on the family farm in Brookfield that his father had established after immigrating through Ellis Island in the early 1900's.

Albert served in the US Airforce during the Korean War, completing his basic training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia before being stationed to grounds crew in South Dakota and Alaska from 1952 to 1956. He received an honorable discharge as an Airman First Class on Feb. 9, 1956, earning a National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal for his dedication to duty. His work and later personal travel took him to every state in the nation except for California and Hawaii.

He married and raised his family in New Milford with his late wife Patricia (Bacon) Tomascak who passed away in 1995. Albert worked at Kimberly-Clark paper mill in New Milford as a machine operator for 30 years before his retirement. In subsequent years he and his former workmates would gather every month to catch up and eat sausage and broccoli rabe at Italia Mia Restaurant in New Milford. Later in life he remarried to Elaine Lembo and lived in Southbury.  Together they traveled the country and remained true and loving companions.

Albert loved being outdoors: whether snowmobiling in Vermont, clamming in Rhode Island, or simply mowing his lawn.  He was proud of his Kubota and John Deere tractors. It was wood working more than anything that was his passion.  He was frequently restoring Hoosier Cabinets and antique ice boxes. His woodworking skills produced everything from Adirondack chairs to a host of hand carved characters that he would hand paint with his son and daughter.  He enjoyed giving away these little figurines to folks as a token of his affection.

Albert loved nothing more than hosting family cookouts or get-togethers, especially around the holidays. Each year, on the first Saturday of December, the Tomascak family would gather at Albert's home for the tradition that he started years ago to hand make Christmas wreaths from greens he would gather while enjoying traditional Slovak dishes, homemade soups, and especially Albert's signature bread pudding.

A long-time parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in Brookfield, Albert is survived by his son Mark Tomascak of Southbury, his daughter Marci Tomascak of Southbury, and his son and daughter-in-law Lawrence and Patricia Tomascak of Berlin. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his siblings Andrew, Peter, Cyril, Barbara, Cecelia, Tina, Bobby, Marion and Jimmy. Albert was predeceased by: Agnes, Margie, Billy, and Matt.

He is also remembered fondly by his very special friend Jodhy Khokhar, who was a constant companion in his later years.

Albert's family would also like to recognize Dr. William Johns, Joellen Gereg, and Christina Herrity for their medical guidance whenever it was needed.  They would also like to thank Joanne and Mary at the Danbury VA Clinic, the staff from Always Best Care, Jeff, Cheri, Lisa, Heather, Sarah and especially Miriam, and the Hospice team of Hartford Healthcare at Home for their care and attention during Albert's final weeks.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 30 at St. Joseph's Church, 5 Obtuse Hill Road, Brookfield.

Friends may greet the family at 10:30 am; with Mass to follow at 11 a.m. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in New Milford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius Mission Advancement Office 1002 Railroad Street Danville, PA 17815