Obituary of Joshua A. Tobey

Joshua A. Tobey, 89, of Centre Hall, died Thursday, June 30, 2016, at home. Born on September 15, 1926, in Dartmouth, MA he was the son of the late Warren P. and Molly Nye Tobey. On March 1, 1952, in Baldwin, NY, he married Doris A. Saunders, who survives at home. In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by five children, Susan Fray of Waldorf, MD, Nancy Boozer and husband, Robert Boozer, of Centre Hall, Bette Kozlowski of Wayne, Thomas Tobey and wife, Andrea Paulus, of San Diego, CA, Ellen Stoner and husband, Todd Stoner, of Montoursville; twin brother, Jonathan Tobey and wife, Anne, of Brattleboro, VT; sister-in-law, Elaine Tobey of Barrington, RI; ten grandchildren, Ross Boozer and his wife, Stephanie, David Fray, Ann Boozer, Jonathan Fray, Hailey Stoner, Michael Fray, Clay Stoner, Bryan Kozlowski, Teri Stoner, and Paige Kozlowski; and two great-grandchildren, James and Elsie Boozer. In addition to his parents, Josh was predeceased in death by his brother, Joel Tobey, and son-in-law, Gerald Fray. Josh graduated from Barrington High School in 1944. He began attending Brown University but interrupted his studies to join the United States Navy. He served in World War II on the U.S.S. Ticonderoga and was honorably discharged in 1946. After discharge, Josh continued his education at Brown University where he received his bachelor's degree in economics in 1950. Following graduation, Josh began his career with Sears Roebuck and Company. His career with Sears included a variety of roles across the New England and Mid-Atlantic states. In 1969, he relocated to State College to open the new store at the Nittany Mall. He retired from Sears in 1989 with 39 years of service. Josh was a member of the Brown University Track and Field team, specializing in the mile. At Brown he ran many races across the country winning numerous awards. He continued his love of running and competing throughout his life, participating in local races later in life and running three marathons. He was a member of a seniors 10-man, 24-hour mile relay team, setting a world record for the over-50 age group. In 1985 he was the Pennsylvania masters 800-meter indoor champion and also the PA senior mile champion the same year. He was inducted into the Brown University Hall of Fame in 1987. Josh ran a leg of the Olympic Torch Relay in Maryland for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Josh was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He especially enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren in all their events and activities. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent many happy moments hunting, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. Josh was a talented story teller captivating many with his life stories. Josh supported many local organizations including service with the Penns Valley school board from 1992 to 1993. Recently he was an active member of the Centre Hall Area Library Association. In earlier years, he served on the State College Youth Services Board, State College Chamber of Commerce, and coached and supported numerous youth teams, including Boy Scouts and various sports groups. Josh was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Centre Hall. His family will greatly miss his love and support. Friends will be received for a visitation from 2 until 4p.m., Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Grace United Methodist Church, 127 S Pennsylvania Ave, Centre Hall, PA with Rev. Russ Saeurwein officiating. Burial will be private in Lutheran Reformed Cemetery, Centre Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Centre Hall Area Library Association, 109 W. Beryl St, Centre Hall, PA 16828, in memory of Joshua A. Tobey. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.