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Ernest Torok
Born: 5/4/1945
Died: 9/15/2020
Age: 75
Community: Apache Junction AZ, formerly of Flint, MI
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It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Ernest Torok on September 15th, 2020. He passed away peacefully at his home in Arizona after a difficult battle with Cancer. His beloved wife Sandi and family were at his side.
Ernie was born on May 4th, 1945 in Flint, MI to Louis and Thelma (Suhayda) Torok. He was the second of three boys and was named after his uncle who died in the battle of Normandy. As a young boy, he and his family survived the devastating Beecher tornado that destroyed their home and took the life of his dog. Ernie spent the greater part of his life as a public servant. He joined the Air Force at the age of 17 serving in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Ernie served at the Pentagon during 9/11 and would continue his military career throughout his life. He Retired as a Chief (E7) from the United States Coast Guard with 24 years combined service. He first served as a police officer for the Genesee County Sheriff Department and then joined the Detroit Police Department for 1 year, serving during the Detroit riots. Ernie then joined the Flint Police Department in 1968. Whilst there in 1983, he earned the departments highest award, the Meritorious Citation Award, as well as the Purple Heart award, after being shot in the line of duty. In 1988 he retired from Flint PD as Sergeant after 20 years of dedicated service. During this time he was also co-owner of Earnest-Lewis carpets which was next to his father’s Hub Shoe repair business on Kearlsey Street in downtown Flint. After his Flint retirement, he moved to Hawaii where he completed his Bachelor's Degree and two years later moved to Gig Harbor, Washington. There he was a Grant Writer for the city of Kent. He then became a Hearing Officer for the State of Washington Department of Corrections retiring in 2011.
After the death of his second wife Marvie in 2004, Ernie married Sandi Carlin (Koepp) on April 22, 2011. They enjoyed many yearly road trips across the United States, residing in Florida, Washington, and eventually settling in Apache Junction, Arizona in a beautiful house facing the Superstition Mountains.
If you were to ask people to describe Ernie, you would be told he was one of the smartest people you will ever meet. He always gave his best and expected the best. He was transparent with his opinions and his work ethic compared to none. Ernie was a very proud Hungarian and military man. He was extremely funny and a skilled story teller often leaving you to wonder what the real truth was. Ernie was an amazing host to family and friends preparing extravagant trays of food including so many olives! He loved Mac and Jack's beer, pub mix, and chocolate. Most of all he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Ernest was preceded in death by his second wife Marvie, his parents, brothers Robert Torok, Louis Torok Jr. and great grandson Maddox. He is survived by his wife Sandi, Son Michael and Katie (Culp) Torok of Alpena, MI, daughter Terri (Morris) Goebel and Eric of Gig Harbor, WA, Stepson Steve Carlin (Kim) of Mesa, AZ, Stepson David Carlin (Sue) of Potosi, MS, 20 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ernest will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date with Family present.
Bravo Sulu Dad!
Semper Paratus Chief!
For people wishing to honor his lifelong commitment to the Military, and Public service, donations can be made to the Stephen Siller’s Tunnel to Towers Foundation. They assist fallen Police, Fire, EMS, and Military families. With Ernie serving at the Pentagon after 9/11 the family found this to be a very fitting way to honor Ernie.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
718-987-1931
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9/21/2020 |
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