Louis J. Tornabene

Louis J. Tornabene, age 91, of Dover, and a long-time resident of New Philadelphia, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2017 - twelve days after the death of his beloved wife Vera.

Born September 24, 1925, in New Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Natale and Julia Marucci Tornabene. Louis graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1943, and shortly afterward entered the service of his country with the United States Navy during the Second World War. After the war, Louis attended Bowling Green University. In February 1951, Jack and Rita Goth introduced Louis to the beautiful young Vera Bonvechio, and the couple were married later that year on December 1. Louis and Vera reared three children and shared a sixty-five-year marriage of love and devotion.

Louis was a partner with his brother, Sam, in the operation of Tornabene’s Store, a business started by the men’s father, and later, Tornabene’s Drive-Thru, in both New Philadelphia and Dover. Louis was employed for a time at Warner & Swasey in New Philadelphia, but he didn’t enjoy the work there as much as he did that of running his own business. He and his family also successfully owned and operated the former Brooklyn Grill on Tuscarawas Avenue throughout the 1980’s. In retirement, Louis and Vera very much enjoyed traveling.

The couple were an integral part of their grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's lives, supporting them in all of their school and sporting endeavors and beyond.

Louis was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church in New Philadelphia and was a member of the Sacred Heart Senior Citizens. Additionally, Louis belonged to the Knights of Columbus, was a former member and president of the board of Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School, and was a life member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge.

Survivors include his daughter, Susan “Suzi” (Rick) Keller of Dover; his sons, Tim (Judy) Tornabene of New Philadelphia, and Tom (Kathi) Tornabene of Port Washington; his grandchildren, Scot (Jessica) Keller, Allison (Stephen) Hoffmann, Kelsey (Bryan) McConaha, Gretta (Bob) Patrick, Marita and Ernie Tornabene and Jonah Leggett-Crolley; his step-grandchildren, Nick and Traci Keller, Deena and Kirk Gruber and Chrissy Keller; his great-grandchildren, Sophia, Cora, Annie, Charlotte, Callie, Sam, Ben and Fiona; his sister, Lillian (husband, Tom Lanigan) Hudson; his nieces and nephews; and his many special friends.

Besides his parents, and his dear wife Vera, Louis was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Tornabene (husband, Joe) Zifer and Rose Tornabene (husband, Charlie) Alfonso; his infant sister; his brothers, Ernest, Frank, Sam (wife, Patricia) and Joe Tornabene; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Martin and Rose Fox Bonvechio.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 7, at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, with Fr. Jeff Coning officiating. Burial will be in New Philadelphia’s Calvary Cemetery. Following the committal, there will be a luncheon in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center on the Boulevard in Dover. Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover, on Thursday, April 6, 3 – 8 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed Thursday at 7:45 p.m. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Louis, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the funeral home’s website.

The family would like to acknowledge Hennis Care Centre for their wonderful care and kindness – Thank You So Very Much.

It is suggested that contributions in Louis’ memory be made to the Sacred Heart Church Building Fund, 139 Third St. N.E., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.