Patricia Ann Tomkunas

She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Alex M. Tomkunas (Bud); her daughter, Keri L. Chapman and her husband Brett Chapman Sr. of Saint Johns, Florida; her son, Timothy M. Tomkunas and his wife, Robin (Muro) Tomkunas, of Ponte Vedra, Florida; and her cherished grandchildren: Alexandria Tomkunas-Savarese and her husband, Thomas Savarese; Kailey Tomkunas; Trevor Bell; Taylor Tumbelty; Timothy Tomkunas, Jr., Elle Panke; Brett Chapman II; and Anthony Tomkunas and his fiancée, Amanda Hill, along with numerous nieces, nephews and Godchildren.

Patty was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on August 30, 1940, to the late Anthony F. Hartl and Margaret M. (Kerr) Hartl. She married her first and true love, Alex “Bud” Tomkunas, on November 10, 1962.

She graduated from East Hartford High School, Class of 1958, and was a proud alumna of Eastern Connecticut State University, Class of 1962, earning her Bachelor of Science degree and later her master’s degree in education.

Patty began her teaching career at O’Connell School in East Hartford and later taught at St. Christopher’s School, also in East Hartford, where she remained until her retirement in 2002. She was affectionately known to generations of students as “Mrs. T.”

A longtime resident of East Hartford, Patty was deeply involved in her community. She earned her real estate broker’s license through evening studies and devoted many years of service to St. Rose Parish, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, teaching catechism, and volunteering at the parish summer carnival, most notably in the pizza booth.

Patty enjoyed reading, gardening, having breakfast on the beach, spending time with family, frequent trips to Disney World, and sharing laughter with those she loved. During a period of living at her Cape Cod home, she worked for the United States National Seashore as a Park Ranger (with her son Timmy) in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Patty was predeceased by her father, Anthony F. Hartl; her mother, Margaret M. (Kerr) Hartl; and her brother, Thomas K. Hartl.

Family and friends are invited to honor Patty’s life at a service on February 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32223. A private Catholic Mass and burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Patty’s name to the Sisters of Jesus Crucified, 261 Thatcher Street, Brockton, Massachusetts 02302