Casmier “Tom” Vermac

Casmier “Tom” Vermac, 76, of Forkston, PA, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at his home.  Born in Avoca on November 24, 1949, he was the son of the late Casmier and Mary Lou (Jopling) Vermac.

Tom enlisted in the Army in 1968 and enjoyed a twenty-year career as a tank mechanic in Troop C, 9th Cavalry having been honorably discharged in 1988. Following that, he served in the Army Reserves until 1994. Serving his country in the military was the greatest honor of his lifetime and he was proud to boast about the benefits of his service. His eyes lit up when he spoke about the Army. He loved the U.S.A. as much as he loved life itself.

 Tom opened his own auto mechanic business, T.J.'s Automotive, in 1991 alongside his fiancé, Ginger, stepson Jeff and son Caz during which time he repaired numerous vehicles and developed meaningful friendships with customers. Tom could fix anything, even outside of vehicles. He truly was a problem solver for all. 

Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing. He traveled to many places with Ginger including the Dominican Republic, New Orleans, and Reno, but he especially loved Las Vegas. He called it "America's Playground". The stories that he told from being on all of those trips would make anyone laugh for days. He enjoyed a good time and his easy-going personality made everyone around him also have a good time. He was a lover and would always be available to lend a helping hand.

Tom was a member of Avoca VFW Post 8335 where he enjoyed several stints as Post Commander. He was devoted to all of the causes that the VFW supported. He was also a regular lifetime member of the West Side Social Club where he could be found enjoying a beer (or several). Beer was a necessity! In the last few years, having moved to Wyoming County, he was a regular patron at the Lovelton Hotel where again he formed many friendships with the locals. He was especially proud of his home in Forkston where he enjoyed the golden years of his life with Ginger. His door was always open, and the lights were always on for a passer-by or his good friends Paul Moss and Mary Porter to stop in and have a drink and a few laughs. Tom will be greatly missed by his friends and loved ones. This world needs more Toms.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his fiancé of 37 years, Virginia “Ginger” Godeck who passed away on January 16, 2023; his stepson, Jeffrey Godeck; his brothers, Paul “Crue” Vermac, Sr. and Stephen Vermac; his nephew Charles Vermac, Jr. son in law, Jason Tavella and his sister-in-law Darlene Vermac.

He is survived by his children; Casimer T. Vermac, III and his wife Keri, of Exeter; Marie Milewski, of Pittston; and Laura Tavella of Thornhurst; his grandson, Attorney Robert Kobilinski and his wife, Jennifer, Corinne Milewski, Johnathan Milewski and his fiancé Kaitlin Loftus, Karli Tavella and her fiancé Elijah Donnini and Jason “JJ” Tavella; and his great grandchildren, Clara Kobilinski, Parker Kobilinski, Hawkins Milewski and Harper Mae Milewski.  Also surviving are his sisters, Diane Van Luvender and her husband, Chris, of Avoca; Cathy Martin and her husband Robert, of Avoca; and Debbie Gratalo and her husband, Robert, of Dupont. He is further survived by his brother Charles Vermac and his wife, Mary Jane, of Avoca, his sister-in-law Geraldine Vermac, along with many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:30pm at Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea with Fr. Michael Bryant of Nativity of Our Lord Parish Church, Duryea, officiating.  Friends may call for visitation on Friday evening, March 13, 2026, from 5:00pm-8:00pm.  Interment will be held at the Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery, Elmhurst with the AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston and the Active US Army providing full military honors.

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