Henrya Karkut Tomanio

The family of "Hankie" Karkut (Giannuzzi) Tomanio is saddened to advise of her  passing on February 16, 2025. Her health declined suddenly and she was kept in comfort care at home, with her sons visiting and able to communicate with her.

Hankie was born on August 25, 1945 in Fulton, NY to Henry and Emily Penkala Karkut, the second of three daughters. A 1963 graduate of Baldwinsville Academy & Central Schools and 1967 graduate of LeMoyne College, Hankie was an excellent student, achieving high honors and dean's list repeatedly. Her first grade less than 100 was in the 9th grade and it was a 99! Hankie remained an avid reader, spent hours at the library and loved the outdoors. She relocated to California in December of 1968 and enjoyed many trips traveling to the Japanese Gardens in San Jose, Yosemite, San Francisco, Oregon and the ocean. She thoroughly enjoyed travel and was fortunate to visit many states, as well as Holland, when she was employed with Yoder Brothers in the production and breeding of Chrysanthemum variations. You likely think you just have to rip the seed packet open to get your desired flower, but Hankie was instrumental in cross pollinating and creating various breeds! 

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Pete Tomanio and her sister, Maribeth. 

Left to cherish the memories of her life are her sons, Mark (Yelena) and John Giannuzzi, of California, her "baby" sister, Michele Mills, two nephews and two nieces, as well as their children, all in NYS.

Per her wishes, she was cremated and no services were held.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Henrya Karkut Tomanio, please visit our floral store.