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Francis (Butch) Totsky, age 87 of Simpson, passed away unexpectedly on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024. Our dad went out his way, shoveling snow off his car. He was the husband  of the late Monica P. Propeack Totsky, who passed away in May 2013. They were married February 22, 1965.

He was born in Mayfield, son of the late John and Anna Ostrowski Totsky.

Our dad’s sudden passing has shocked us all. We can’t breathe as the pain sinks in that he is gone. We sat with him on Thanksgiving Eve, as we did almost every night. We ended our time with a “goodnight, love you, I will see you tomorrow”, but tomorrow never came and for that our entire family is devastated.

Butch served in the military for several years. After his service, was a blue collar worker. He worked many years at Hendrick’s in Carbondale and finished his career at Jerry’s Sports Center in Forest City, PA. He played trumpet in the Eddie Lubash Polka Band band for several years and was so proud of his legendary abilities. He had a passion for being the very best at any job or obstacle he was faced with. He took pride in what he did and loved his family and friends immensely, something we can all learn from.

Butch was full of quick wit and charm. He loved to make people laugh and have a good beer or two.. But never more than two.. He had a unique language and spoke in what the family calls “Butchisms.” One of our favorites was “da wat now” because he could not hear a bomb go off later in life. The family gathered at his house every Sunday, where we enjoyed his homemade chicken soup and kielbasa, as well as anything else he could offer you, whether you wanted it or not!

In his free time, Butch loved to hangout with his beloved friends Phil, Gene, and Bobby at the Richmondale Hunting Club or at the Burkavage/Pohle Farm, where he had the pleasure of fishing and hunting since he was 15 years old. His favorite times were spent at his house with his children and grandchildren watching the polka’s, the Phillies, and Jeopardy every night.

To say our family is devastated is an understatement. He was the rock in our lives after our mom passed away. He took over this role with pride, joy, and courage.

He is survived by three sisters, Delores Tracewski & husband Dick Tracewski, Loretta Anuszewski, Jane Orlando, and sister in law Barbara Tocki. His beloved children, Mike Senio, Lisa & Randy Levine, Dan & Joe Totsky, Tricia & Jeff Liuzzo, and Mark and Sue Totsky. As well as grandchildren, Leah Levine, Olivia and Ben Brace, Eliza and Tony Peregrin, Sarah Totsky, Dimitri Thompson, Anna Totsky, Katie Totsky, Nathan Totsky, Matthew Totsky, our newest addition Sonni Peregrin. Lastly, his two favorite grandpuppies, Sammy and Hazel.

He is preceded in death by his wife Monica Totsky, as well as several brother’s and sisters, including Larry Totsky, Joe Tocki, Bobby Tocki, Florence Russell, Mae Cerra, John Totski, and Rose Saltisiak

We want to give a special thanks to Shannon Flynn, Kyle Gregorie, Krystal Rosar, Tony Balinas, Tyler Hardy and all the first responders from Cottage Hose and Gratten Singer, Carbondale policemen, Brian Rock, Robert Williams and Jessie Pruitt for their quick action and attempts to save our dad’s life. As well as a special thank you to a friend and neighbor, John Bednarczyk for his selfless actions. We also want to thank the ER staff at Geisinger CMC, Chaplin, and 911 operators.

The funeral will be Monday at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 15 Fallbrook Street, Carbondale. Entombment with military honors will be at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Twp., Pa.

Family and friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 6 PM at the Joseph W Scotchlas Funeral Home, Inc., 621 Main St., Simpso

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made ot the Carbondale YMCA, 88 N. Main St., Carbondale, PA 18407 or the Richmondale Hunting Club, ℅ Jim Dovin, 308 First St., Richmondale, PA. 18421

For directions or condolences visit: www.scotchlasfuneralhome.com