Max “Junior” E. Tomayko, 91, formerly of Dixonville and Clymer, PA, passed away peacefully in hospice care on Monday, February 9, 2026, in Waterford, MI.
Max was the son of Max A. and Mary Elizabeth (Fetsko) Tomayko, born in Dixonville, PA on June 17, 1934.
Max loved his family, his faith and sports. He enjoyed getting together with his family to try new restaurants, go to an event or simply just to spend time together. He particularly loved sharing his life stories with his family and friends. Max was devoted to his Catholic faith and regularly attended services until his health prevented him from doing so. Max moved to Michigan with his family in 1965-later he said, “It was the best move I ever made.” Max worked at Chrysler and retired from there in August, 1992.
However, Pennsylvania was always in his heart-he remained a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates as well as the Detroit Lions. Most of all, Max loved life-he was a devoted son, loving husband and father, and proud grandfather and great-grandfather. Max also proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army.
Max is survived by his daughters-Lauren Tomayko, Teresa Purdy, Tina Ball and husband Michael; his grandchildren- Jacqueline Gismondi and her husband Derek and Jenna Ball and her fiancé Joel Young; and his great-grandchildren Lucas and Hadley Gismondi, all residing in Michigan.
Max was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Max; his loving wife, Marie (Janosko) Tomayko; his son Larry Tomayko; his brother James “Pep” R. Tomayko, as well as many relatives on both sides of the family and many lifelong friends with whom he maintained a close relationship.
Max will return home to Dixonville to be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Marie. The family will have a funeral mass and interment at a later date as arranged with the assistance of the McCabe-Roof Funeral Home, 565 Franklin St., Clymer, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, American Diabetes Association or a Veterans charity-these organizations were important to Max. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Angela Hospice in Waterford, MI for their amazing kindness and the loving care they provided.
Online condolences may be made at www.mccaberooffh.com.
