Obituary
Born September 27, 1956 Dennis, 67 years old, was born with the gift of gab. This seemingly simple act of personal connection was what defined him, and with it came his strong work ethic. Both of these proved the value that he placed on his relationships with people.
He resided in Orefield, PA with his wife of 40 years, Lisa A. (Heffron).
Extremely active in his early to mid life, Dennis was a source of guidance and inspiration to a countless number of students. They trained in his two Martial Arts dojos, and the Martial Arts for the Handicapable Organization, of which he was vice president and chief instructor. As a sensei of 46 years, he inspired the lives of students to achieve their full potential, and in the process created a large extended family. Dennis also loved skiing, ice hockey, horse back and motorcycle riding. He acquired his single engine plane pilot's license, was a boy scout leader for his sons, and with his wife raised and trained 16 puppies for the Seeing Eye Guide Dog Foundation.
Most recently Dennis was a field agent for the Knights of Columbus for 14 years. He was a people person. His handshake and gift of conversation was a window into his character that few forgot. Prior to that, he was employed in marketing at UGI Corporation for 23 years. Dennis was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church and a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 10921.
He was born with a rare genetic disease called Alpha-1, which affected his lungs. He was actively waiting on the transplant list for almost 2 years before passing away Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. He embodied a true warrior's spirit with his will to live and had an admirable grace while facing the health challenges in his later life. He was never one to complain, always one to joke, and was resilient through it all.
Survivors: In addition to his loving wife Lisa; sons, Dennis T. Tobash and his wife, Kristen and granddaughters, Addison and Olivia of Walnutport, Jeffrey N. Tobash of Orefield; brothers, Peter P. Tobash III and his wife, Karen, Curtis Tobash and his wife Janine both of Schuylkill Haven; Predeceased by his son, Marc H. Tobash.
Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 15, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 1879 Applewood Drive, Orefield. Family and friends may visit with the Tobash Family from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, January 14, 2024, in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. 4906 Route 309 Schnecksville. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com
Contributions: In remembrance of Dennis G. Tobash, the family would like everyone to consider being an organ and blood donor.
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