Jay Patterson Tokarz

Jay Patterson Tokarz, 63, passed away unexpectedly due to heart complications in his home in Milton, Georgia, on October 11, 2022. Jay was born on December 8, 1958, in Ashtabula, Ohio, to the late Bernard and Mary Susan (Patterson) Tokarz. He was the third of four children, including his brother, Jeffrey (Laurie) Tokarz, brother, Joel (Denise) Tokarz and sister, Amy (Rick) Pardy. In October 1984, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, MaryBeth Ripostella Tokarz. They settled in Pleasantville, New York, where they began a family of their own. In addition to his wife of 38 years, Jay is survived by 3 children: Bernie (Morgan), Emily, and Francesca. Jay and his family moved to Alpharetta, Georgia, in July 1998 and embraced all aspects of southern living. Jay quickly traded his beloved New York Giants and snow shovels for the Georgia Bulldogs and flip-flops in February. Jay enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves, golfing, listening to live country music, flaunting his radio-smooth voice, taking meticulous care of his lawn, gathering for family reunions, hosting backyard barbecues, and exercising (with his Jolly Ranchers, earbuds, and ESPN). Jay was an entrepreneur and spent most of his career in healthcare recruiting; however, his first priority was always his family. Jay went the extra mile to care for his wife and children: coaching team sports, spearheading holiday meals and creating new family traditions. Jay never withheld words of affirmation or helpful advice; he took pleasure in being Mr. Fix-It and the family problem solver. If his wife or children ever had a need, no matter how trivial, Jay was there. Jay made it his mission to make sure his children never showed up empty handed, listened more than they spoke, and left places better than they found them. Jay’s home, and, most importantly, his table, was always open to those he loved and those in need. Jay had an incomparable impact on his family and friends. He will be sorely missed. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 21st (10:00 AM) at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Alpharetta, Georgia (535 Rucker Road). New Beginnings Ministry made a profound impact on the Tokarz Family, and Jay prioritized paying it forward. In lieu of flowers, the Family asks that donations be sent in Jay’s name to New Beginnings: https://www.newbeginningslife.net/donate/

Jay Patterson Tokarz

December 8, 1958 - October 11, 2022