GLOUCESTER: Armas M. “Kokie” Tuomivirta, 88, of Washington Street, died Tuesday afternoon at his daughter’s home in Nahant following an extended illness. He was the husband of the late Jeannette E. (Lowrie) Tuomivirta, who died in April of 2000. They had shared forty-three years of marriage.
Born in Gloucester on March 28, 1920, he was the son of the late Andes A. and Mary E. (Kallio) Tuomivirta. He was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and had attended Gloucester public schools.
A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he served as a Gunners Mate and was honorably discharge in March of 1946.
He was a proud life member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union. He was employed as a mason for many years by the late Niggi Balzarini and later for Faulk Brothers, having retired in 1978.
Kokie was an astute handyman and was always willing to do anything for any one. In keeping with his Finnish heritage, he enjoyed spending time at the local saunas. He could also often be found walking his beloved dog, Nikki, along Cherry Street and up the reservoir. He was a loving and devoted family man and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lana M. and William H. Mogan of Nahant, grandsons, Albert W., husband of Kim Olson and Scott A. , husband of Lorra Olson, great-grandchildren, Steven J. Olson and Jessica L. Olson and Stephen and Christopher Perruzzi, and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Mary (Carr) Tuomivirta, , his brother, Toivo A. Tuomivirta and sister, Aili J. Hietala.
His funeral service will be held on Friday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 – 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. Interment will be held in the Seaside Cemetery.