WEBSTER - Arthur A. “Tookie” Toukonen, 71, of Webster, died Thursday, November 22, in UMass/Memorial Healthcare, Worcester.
He leaves his wife of 50 years, Patricia A. (Gatzke) Toukonen; 2 daughters, Donna M. Toukonen-Nolan and her husband James of Oxford and Karen J. Toukonen of Worcester; 8 grandchildren, Kristin, Heather and Hollie Toukonen, James Nolan III, and Nicole, Jessica, Meaghan and Cristian Nolan; 2 great grandchildren, Alexavier and Gabriel; nephews and nieces.
He was born and raised in Southbridge. He was a graduate of Mary E. Wells High School in Southbridge where he played defensive lineman for the varsity football team. He also was a soloist in the Embers Band for 5 years.
Mr. Toukonen was first a mechanic at the American Optical Company in Southbridge for many years and then at Schotts Fiber Optics, also in Southbridge, until he retired. He was an EMT for the Webster Rescue & Ambulance Squad in the late 1980’s. He served as the dispatcher for the Webster Fire Department for several years. He belonged to the American Optical Quarter Century Club.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, November 27, from 4:00 to 7:00 in Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street. A memorial Mass will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veteran’s Shelter, 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.